Northeast Georgia Health System officials say they have seen an increase in heat-related hospitalizations in the region amid a recent heat wave.
With temperatures in Northeast Georgia reaching the upper 90s last week, officials said they've seen a marked increase in heat exhaustion and heat stroke cases. NGHS Chief of Emergency Services Dr. Mohak Dave' says while children and the elderly are at the highest risk of heat-related illness, this most recent heat wave was affecting everyone.
"We also see people that are young, strong individuals who, after prolonged exposure, are putting their bodies at risk," Dave' said. "Everyone has an individual response (to the heat.)"
Dave' said its important to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion or stroke and seek medical care when needed.
"With heat stroke, we're seeing neurological symptoms. We're seeing seizures, we have people passing out, they have a change in their mental status, they become confused or aggressive or agitated. Those are true emergencies that you need to seek emergency care for," Dave' said. "For heat exhaustion, you're typically going to have similar but less severe symptoms. You won't necessarily have a mental status change. They'll feel like their heart rate is elevated, they may be breathing faster than normal, there may be some nausea or vomiting, or just feel weak."
Dave' said it's important to drink plenty of fluids if you know you're going to be outside for an extended period of time and get inside to an air-conditioned space if you begin to feel symptoms.
While temperatures this week are not expected to be as high as last week's heat wave, WDUN Meteorologist Laura Huckabee says temperatures could still reach nearly 90 later this week.
