Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region have issued guidelines to follow in the context of currently high temperatures.
Although the forecast temperatures do not currently reach the threshold of a heatwave, the authorities are already calling on the population to be vigilant.
Whilst anyone can suffer from the effects of heat, the first victims of such weather are vulnerable people, including the elderly, children and the chronically ill. Special attention should therefore be given to these people in the event of a heatwave.
Recommendations in case of high temperatures:
- Drink regularly and without waiting to be thirsty: a minimum of 1.5 litres per day is recommended, although more may be needed in the case of hot weather. Whilst water is preferred, one can also drink lightly sweetened drinks (juice diluted by half with water, slightly sweetened infusions). Limit as much as possible the consumption of tea and coffee, as well as drinks that are too rich in sugars / caffeine which have diuretic effects
- Cool off with short showers or baths
- Limit one's exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest hours: covering one's head and using an adequate sunscreen is also asvised in case of sun exposure
- Avoid strenuous physical exertion and sports activities during the hottest hours
- Protect the elderly around you: If you know of a vulnerable person living alone (family, neighbour, etc.), try to visit them at least once a day during a heatwave to help them in particular to keep hydrated and check that the heat does not affect their health. If you yourself are sick, elderly or vulnerable and live alone, ask for someone to come and visit you regularly.
Additional information about health problems in the event of extreme heat is available online (in French) at www.sante.lu/canicule or can be requested from the Health Directorate - Sanitary Inspection Division via tel.: 247-85653.
