Naples – An unprecedented heat wave is putting Naples to the test, with temperatures exceeding 35°C and a perceived heat that reaches 39°C during the hottest hours.
The Italian Federation of General Practitioners (FIMMG) of Naples raises an alarm: the elderly, chronically ill and frail are at risk. "This heat represents a real danger," warns Dr. Luigi Sparano. "Even a trip to the shops can turn into a serious problem."
High temperatures, aggravated by high humidity, can cause heat stroke, dehydration, cardiac failure and respiratory crisis. "We receive numerous calls from family members, especially from the children of our patients, seeking advice," explains Dr. Corrado Calamaro.
“A simple gesture like drinking enough can make a difference”
FIMMG Napoli invites citizens to follow some fundamental recommendations: drink at least 1,5-2 liters of water a day, preferring unsweetened drinks and avoiding alcohol; consume light meals with seasonal fruit and vegetables; keep windows closed during the hottest hours (11:00-17:00) and ventilate the house in the morning or in the evening;
use fans or air conditioners with a temperature no lower than 6-7°C compared to the outside; avoid going out between 12:00 and 16:00, wearing hats and light clothing if necessary; keep medications away from heat and monitor symptoms such as headache, nausea, confusion or tiredness, contacting your doctor or 118 immediately in case of alarm.
I family doctors, despite staff shortages, remain on the front lines, offering home visits for the most vulnerable patients. Meanwhile, the call for the 2025-2028 General Medicine Training Course has been integrated, opening participation to doctors already in training.
The appeal is clear: maximum attention and social support to avoid emergencies. "Report situations of isolation and maintain contact with the elderly and frail," conclude the doctors, ready to intervene to protect the health of the community.
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Comments (1)
The situation in Naples is really worrying, the high temperatures are a serious problem for fragile people. It is important to follow the doctors' advice to avoid heat stroke and other serious problems that can happen in this extreme heat.