Article by Liza Sabine, Fairfax County Health Department
(Posted 2026 June)
Hot weather is in full swing and is expected to last through September. As the heat persists, so do the risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other health impacts. Heat can affect anyone, but older adults are especially at risk. Take the heat seriously, know how to keep cool, and understand the factors that make heat dangerous.
Heat-Related Illnesses: What to Watch For
Heat puts added strain on the body and can raise blood pressure, worsen existing health conditions, and increase the risk of falls due to dizziness. It can also affect mental health by increasing stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings. Adults ages 65 and older and people with heart disease, kidney disease, and other health conditions are especially at risk.
Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke, so it’s important to know the signs and what to do.
Heat Stroke:
- Symptoms: Rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, extremely high body temperature (above 103°F), red or dry skin, fainting.
- What to Do: Call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency. If someone shows these symptoms, move them to a cooler place, use cool cloths or a cold bath to lower body temperature, and do not give fluids unless directed by a medical professional.
Heat Exhaustion:
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cool or clammy skin, headache, muscle cramps.
- What to Do: Move to a cooler place (ideally indoors with air conditioning), apply cool, wet cloths to your body or take a cool bath, and sip water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen, last more than an hour, or include vomiting.
Dehydration:
- Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, dark-colored urine, muscle cramps.
- What to Do: Sip water or electrolyte drinks to rehydrate. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as these can be dehydrating.
Heat Cramps:
- Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps in the legs or abdomen, heavy sweating.
- What to Do: Rest, sip water (unless you feel nauseated), and gently stretch or massage cramped muscles. If cramps last more than an hour, seek medical attention.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
When temperatures are high, you can protect yourself by following these tips:
- Reduce your exposure: Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear loose, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outside.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes if recommended by your healthcare provider. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – hydration keeps your organs functioning, regulates your body temperature, and can improve your mood, concentration, and energy levels. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks that contribute to dehydration.
- Don’t rely only on fans: A fan by itself may not keep you cool enough. Fans move air but do not cool the air or lower body temperature. Instead, use air conditioning if you can. You can also take a cool bath and place a cold, wet towel on your neck or head to cool down.
- Use county resources to stay cool: If you are having trouble keeping cool at home, consider visiting air-conditioned locations such as a shopping mall, library, or Fairfax County cooling center. Search for Fairfax County cooling centers at bit.ly/CoolCtr. If you’re 60 or older, you may be eligible for an air conditioning unit or fan through the Senior Cool Care Program. To learn more, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/senior-cool-care.
- Understand how your medications are affected: Some medications, such as antidepressants, certain heart medicines, and even antihistamines like Benadryl can make it harder for your body to cool down. Other medications, such as insulin, can be damaged by heat and lose their effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare provider about how heat may affect your health conditions and medications.
Stay safe in the heat and remember to check on your loved ones and neighbors when you can. For more information on extreme heat and available county resources, visit the Fairfax County extreme heat webpage at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/extreme-heat-resources.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).