Duration of the sunstroke
The duration of a sunstroke is individual for each person affected and depends on the duration and intensity of the stay in the sun or heat. As a rule, the last symptoms attributable to sunstroke should recede after two to three days. If the symptoms persist and show no improvement, a doctor should be consulted urgently. If a pronounced neck stiffness, confusion or unconsciousness occurs, medical advice should also be sought.
Sunstroke in a child or toddler – What are the special features?
Children and infants are particularly at risk of getting sunstroke, especially if they play outside for some time unattended and unprotected in the heat or sun. In addition, children often do not have very pronounced head hair, which makes them even more vulnerable to the sun and heat. Therefore, it is fundamentally important to protect children well from heat, for example by wearing headgear or by staying in a protected climate for a while.
Times with increased heat like in summer between 11 and 15 o’clock should be avoided. In addition, the child’s fluid intake should also be sufficient. Particular attention must be paid to sufficient sun protection, especially in the hotter months.
How can you prevent sunstroke?
To prevent sunstroke, long stays in intense heat or strong sun should be avoided. If this is not possible, the head and neck in particular should be well protected from direct heat. Sun hats or cloths are suitable for this purpose.
A sufficient fluid intake is essential. As a basic rule, the adult body needs at least half a liter to a liter more fluid per day than on normal warm days due to increased sweating. If excessive sweating occurs due to intense heat, even more fluid intake should be considered.
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