Dealing with the heat in Austria

Some newcomers might be surprised to know that Austria isn't all snow and the Sound of Music. In summer it can get very hot. Very, very hot. In fact the highest temperature ever recorded is 40.5 in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg (Lower Austria, 8 August 2013).

The main health risks caused by a heatwave

The main risks in a heatwave are:

• Dehydration: signs include thirstiness, dark and strong smelling pee.

• Overheating

• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: signs include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick

The elderly (75+), babies and very small children need to be especially protected in the heat since their bodies are not able to regulate as well as others. Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours, perhaps offering to do a supermarket shop for them.

Tips for dealing with the heat

The main ways to deal with all the risks caused by a heatwave are to regularly drink fluids (not alcohol or caffeine), hide from the heat in a cool place out of the sun, keep your body cool with damp towels, foot baths, cold showers...

Do what the southern Europeans do: get up very early; get your jobs done (supermarket shopping, preparing a light lunch) before it gets too hot; take a siesta in the afternoon; eat late in the evening.

This Austrian government website provides additional tips in German (your browser will translate it for you) for dealing with the heat: https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/leben/gesundheitsvorsorge/haut/umgang-mit-hitze.html

If you want an English language alternative, the UK's NHS provides this advice: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Blood pressure medication

We have been advised by a doctor that:

Those taking certain medications, such as medication to reduce blood pressure, should contact their doctor to ask if they should pause their treatment during a heatwave.

Emergency services

If you are worried about your health or that of someone around you, don't hesitate to reach out for help. We have an article listing emergency contact numbers in Austria: https://www.englishspeakers.at/post/emergency-telephone-numbers

Pets

Dog owners should test the pavement with the palm of their hand, if it's too hot for your hand it's too hot for your dog's paws. Walk them early in the morning and late in the evening.

Ensure that your pets have access to plenty of water and are in a cool place out of the sun.

Further reading

An interesting article from the BBC: What do heatwaves do to the body and who is most at risk? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66158847