Heat
Switzerland is experiencing more hot days and heatwaves due to climate change. Even though some people enjoy the warm weather, heat can affect our well-being and endanger our health. That is why it is important to take precautions during hot days, heatwaves and tropical nights.
Recommendations
How to protect yourself and others against the heat:
Risk groups
People with the following risk factors are particularly vulnerable on hot days. If several factors apply, the risk increases:
- Older age, especially over 75
- Young age, infants and babies
- Pregnancy
- Acute and/or chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, lung and respiratory diseases, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, neurological and mental illnesses, addictions
- Medication, especially diuretics, blood pressure medication or psychotropic drugs
- Living alone and/or in need of assistance/care
- Low socioeconomic resources, e.g., in terms of education, finances, living situation
- Strenuous physical activities
Furthermore: you should also protect yourself against hot weather when at work, whether inside or outside. The following links contain information (in French, German and Italian) from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and SUVA.
Symptoms and procedure for heat stress
Heat is stressful for the body, as it seeks to offset high temperatures by evaporating sweat. Increased sweating can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss and dilated blood vessels lower blood pressure. This puts a strain on the cardiovascular system and heat-induced conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or sunstroke can result.
This is why you need to take measures to keep your body cool and hydrated (see recommendations above).
If you or anyone else experience the above symptoms, do the following:
- Find a cool or shady area
- Lie down
- Cool yourself with damp towels
- Drink fresh water
- Have a drink with electrolytes (i.e. drinks with sodium, potassium, magnesium and glucose (for example apple juice diluted with water or sports drinks))
If you or someone else does not feel better after a short time, do not hesitate to call a doctor or 144!
Information materials on heat
Heat flyer “The three golden rules” for the general population
The heat flyer contains recommendations on how to behave in hot weather and what to do immediately in the event of heat stress. The flyer (German/French/Italian/English) can be downloaded directly online in A4 and A3 format or ordered free of charge as a print version from the federal government.
Heat flyer “Protection against heat” for health professionals
The heat flyer for professionals provides information about recommendations to protect the health of patients as well as additional measures which are useful in medical practices, retirement and nursing homes or hospitals. The flyer (German/French/Italian) can be downloaded directly online in A4 format or ordered free of charge as a print version from the federal government.
Digital display: Three golden rules for protection against heat
The digital display clearly summarises the three golden rules for protecting yourself against the heat. It's particularly suitable for screens in doctors’ waiting rooms, pharmacies and other publicly accessible areas. The graphic (d/f/i/e) can be downloaded free of charge and used as desired.
Cantonal heat websites
The following cantonal websites offer information, recommendations, and action plans to help you stay safe during hot weather.
Index
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Healthcare Developement Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern