THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the summer going rogue beyond any control, rising heatstroke deaths have amplified concern in the state. Not just Palakkad, most of the districts in Kerala are kissing 40 degrees Celsius temperatures.

The light rains in summer could increase the atmospheric humidity, thus aggravating the heat and inviting a series of health concerns. According to the weather forecast, the temperature will remain hot till May 2. Idukki and Wayanad will be saved from the brutal heat as the temperature here is all set to dip in the coming days.

Those who work long hours in the hot sun are more likely to get sunburned. Severe sunburns can invite death as quickly as three minutes. Sunburn is the gradual destruction of body cells by the radiation from the sun. The reason is ultraviolet rays. Due to extreme heat, if the internal temperature rises rapidly, the body fails to regulate its temperature. High temperature can seriously affect the functioning of the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs and heart.

Symptoms of sunburn

• Fatigue, nausea, dizziness
• Sweat more than usual
• High heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle cramps

First aid

• The affected person should be taken to a shaded area
• Cool the body with water or ice
• Give artificial respiration if necessary

Avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm. Wear loose cotton clothes in white or light colours. Do not park the car in the sun with children and pets inside. A person weighing 50-60 kg should drink at least two and a half litres of water per day. People who work in the sun and sweat profusely should drink 3 to 4 litres of water.