TLDR: During a heat wave, older adults and infants have difficulty regulating their body temperature and can become dehydrated quickly. Regular hydration, keeping the home cool, and close monitoring can prevent heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.
Summers in Algiers are marked by increasingly frequent heat waves. While most adults can tolerate them, the elderly and young children are much more vulnerable. Heat waves are not merely a source of discomfort: they can lead to serious health complications and remain an underestimated cause of death.
Two populations that have difficulty regulating their body temperature
The body combats heat through sweating and the sensation of thirst. However, older adults sweat less and feel less thirsty, while infants are entirely dependent on those around them for fluids. The World Health Organization notes in its fact sheet that heat-related deaths among people over 65 have risen sharply in recent decades. Heat and Health.
Everyday Habits That Keep You Safe
Closing shutters and windows during the hottest part of the day, ventilating at night, staying in the coolest room, and avoiding going outside between noon and 4 p.m. can help limit exposure. It’s essential to drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty: frequent small sips are better than an occasional large glass. A damp cloth and lukewarm showers help lower body temperature.
Recognizing Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency: hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; headache; confusion; and even loss of consciousness. In infants, refusal to drink, drowsiness, and fever should be cause for concern. Dehydration often accompanies these symptoms; the Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration«>monitoring hydration is therefore crucial.
Specifically Protecting Infants
Never leave a child in a car, even for a few minutes, and do not cover a stroller with a dry cloth that traps heat. Breastfeeding or offering fluids more often helps make up for fluid loss; if in doubt, a home-visit pediatrician in Algiers«A pediatrician can evaluate the baby". The Prevention of Heat Stroke« >heat protection This also applies to young children.
When to call for help in Algeria
If the person is confused, has lost consciousness, or has a very high fever that does not respond to cooling measures, call Civil Protection at 14 or the SAMU at 16. A home doctor in Algiers« >home doctor can be used in less critical situations.
MaghAssist supports vulnerable people in Algiers
During heat waves, our doctors and nurses monitor seniors and infants at home and provide rehydration treatment if necessary. Contact us on WhatsApp at +213 550 45 33 99.
Organizing Housing and Support Networks
Protecting vulnerable people from the heat isn’t just about individual actions—home design plays a crucial role. Identifying the coolest room, having the person stay there during the hottest hours of the day, blocking out sunlight from windows, and taking advantage of the cool night air to ventilate the space can transform a stifling interior into a bearable refuge. A few thick curtains or shutters used effectively can sometimes be more effective than a fan.
Support networks are the other pillar of prevention. An isolated older adult is at increased risk because there is no one to notice signs of confusion or a refusal to drink. A daily phone call, a visit, or the involvement of neighbors or a care service can help detect warning signs early. During forecasted heat waves, increasing support for seniors and infants is the most effective way to prevent tragedy.
Adjusting Hydration and Nutrition
During heat waves, diet plays a role in prevention. Light meals rich in water, fresh fruits, and vegetables supplement fluid intake and aid digestion. For older adults who eat very little, cold soups, fruit compotes, or dairy products help maintain hydration and energy levels. For breastfed infants, increasing the frequency of feedings is often sufficient. These simple adjustments, combined with keeping the home cool, significantly reduce the risk of discomfort during the most challenging days.
Diarrheal diseases, which are exacerbated by heat, pose a particular risk to young children, as detailed by the World Health Organization in its fact sheet on diarrheal diseases.
Frequently asked questions
How much should an older adult drink during a heat wave?
Offer fluids every hour, even if the child isn't thirsty, aiming for about one and a half to two liters per day, unless there are medical restrictions.
Is a fan always enough?
At temperatures above 40 °C, a fan can actually make your body feel hotter. In that case, use damp cloths and make sure the room is cool.
How can you tell if a baby is too hot?
Red, clammy skin, restlessness followed by drowsiness, refusal to drink, and dry diapers are warning signs. Cool the baby down and seek medical advice if in doubt.
Which medications increase the risk?
Certain medications, particularly diuretics, can increase dehydration. Consult your doctor before summer.
Sources
- World Health Organization, «Heat and Health,» 2024.
- World Health Organization, «Diarrheal Diseases,» 2017.
General information; not a substitute for medical advice.
