How To Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Dr. Jamie Kondis, Pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, explains how to prevent heat-related illnesses—a common concern in the emergency department during the summer. Heat-related complaints range from heat exhaustion, where a child’s body temperature increases above normal levels and they feel faint or weak, to heat stroke, a medical emergency where neurological symptoms begin to show. With heat indexes at 90 degrees or higher, ways to prevent heat-related illnesses include: limiting your child’s time outdoors, having them take 20-30 minute breaks, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces. If symptoms like fainting or vomiting occur, cool them down as quickly as possible and seek medical attention.

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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.