Extremely hot weather can be uncomfortable and may lead to various health issues. When temperatures soar, the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature can be disrupted, resulting in conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

It’s not uncommon for some individuals to develop symptoms similar to a fever after prolonged exposure to extreme heat. But does hot weather actually cause a fever?

The Relationship Between Hot Weather and Fever

The human body has a natural mechanism to maintain a normal temperature, typically around 36-37°C. When the outside temperature rises, the body tries to cool down by sweating. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it helps lower the body’s temperature, preventing it from becoming dangerously high.

However, in extremely hot weather, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can overwhelm the body’s cooling system.

When this occurs, the body’s temperature regulation fails, potentially causing a dangerous rise in body temperature. This situation can mimic the symptoms of a fever.

Medically, a fever is defined as a body temperature exceeding 38ºC, often resulting from an immune response to infection, inflammation, or other health conditions.

Essentially, fever is the body's defense mechanism against pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Although hot weather can lead to an increase in body temperature, it does not directly cause a fever because this temperature rise is not tied to the body’s immune response to infection.

Instead, the heat-induced rise in temperature leads to symptoms similar to a fever, such as dizziness, fatigue, and a high body temperature. This condition is referred to as heat exhaustion. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke, which is when the body temperature reaches 40ºC or higher and can become life-threatening.

Are Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Dangerous?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious health concerns caused by excessive heat exposure. If not addressed promptly, heat exhaustion can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

If heat exhaustion is not treated immediately, it may progress to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition that can cause damage to vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Without prompt intervention, this can lead to organ failure.

It is crucial to act quickly to treat heat exhaustion before it develops into heatstroke.

Here are some steps to manage heat exhaustion:

• Move to a cool, shaded area immediately.
• Rest by sitting or lying down.
• Sip water or electrolyte drinks slowly.
• Apply a cool, wet cloth to the skin or mist the body with cold water to help lower temperature.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve after these steps.

If you have concerns or questions about heat exhaustion or the effects of extreme heat, you can consult a healthcare provider through the Ai Care app, available on the App Store and Play Store.

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