The Department of Health and Family Welfare Kerala on March 28, 2026, issued an advisory highlighting precautions amid intense heat conditions. Individuals are advised to avoid direct sunlight between 11 AM and 3 PM, as this period poses the highest risk of heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and those with serious health conditions require extra care. People working outdoors should reschedule tasks to early morning or evening hours.
The advisory emphasizes that dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke can occur even indoors if ventilation is poor. Therefore, ensuring proper airflow at home is essential. Drinking adequate water is critical—even without feeling thirsty—to prevent fluid loss. It is also recommended to limit consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages, as they may worsen dehydration. Additionally, care should be extended to animals and birds by ensuring they have access to sufficient water.
Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, excessive sweating, intense thirst, reduced urine output, dark-colored urine, rapid heartbeat, or fainting may indicate heat-related illness. In such cases, individuals should immediately move to a shaded area, rest, hydrate, wear light cotton clothing, and cool the body using water, fans, or air conditioning. Seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms persist. Key precautions include wearing loose light-colored clothes, carrying water while traveling, consuming fluids like buttermilk and lemon water, eating water-rich fruits, avoiding outdoor exposure for children, and ensuring hygienic drinking water.
