Experts warn of health risks as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Vietnam
Thursday, April 04, 2024, 13:40 GMT+7
As temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of Vietnam, local medical experts are warning of associated health risks, including dizziness, heatstroke, and stroke.
The scorching hot weather is endangering the health of many local residents, especially the elderly, children, and laborers who work outdoors.
According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, Son La and Hoa Binh Provinces in northern Vietnam as well as the central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien-Hue are seeing temperatures from 37 degrees Celsius and above.
Mercury in the southern region and other localities in the north are currently hovering around 35-37 degrees Celsius.
|
|
| A man works outside in the 40-degree-Celsius weather. |
In Ho Chi Minh City, residents are making frequent visits to coffee shops, supermarkets, and trade centers to escape the heat.
Those who work outdoors are safeguarding themselves with protective coats, face masks, and sunglasses.
In neighboring Dong Nai Province, temperatures are slightly lower but still unpleasantly hot, affecting the health of both the elderly and children, according to Nguyen Phuoc Huy, director of the provincial hydro-meteorological station.
“Due to the hot weather these days, my family has stayed at home. Except for urgent cases, we have been waiting until it is cooler to go out,” said Nguyen Thi Lien, a resident in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province.
H., a 65-year-old resident in Hanoi, visited a hospital for a medical checkup after the heat seemed to cause his cardiovascular condition to deteriorate.
|
|
| Residents travel on a street in Vinh City, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam amid the hot weather. Photo: Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre |
According to doctor Tran Quoc Quy from Hanoi’s 108 Military Central Hospital, the blistering weather could affect people with cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Quy noted that elevated temperatures and dehydration can elevate heart rates, placing additional strain on the heart and raising the risk of conditions such as angina, arrhythmia, and potentially heart failure.
|
|
| Laborers who work outdoors are advised to take care of themselves to prevent heatstroke. |
Associate Professor Nguyen Huy Thang, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Stroke Association, shared that some climate phenomena might increase the risk of stroke, including bitter cold or scorching hot weather.
He advised residents to avoid long exposure to sunlight, limit exercise, and drink plenty of water.
They should also keep a close watch on their underlying illnesses, especially high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
