The Public Health Institute has once again published recommendations for protection from high temperatures, following the Hydrometeorological Administration’s announcement of high daily maximum temperatures expected from today until August 7.

PHI advises citizens to avoid direct exposure to the sun and outdoor activities between 11:00 and 17:00. During this period, people are advised to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, while those who are outside should take frequent breaks in the shade. Clothing should be light, accompanied by the use of protective sunglasses and a light-colored hat.

Sufficient water and non-carbonated mineral drinks should also be consumed without waiting until thirst appears. Citizens should avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks and very cold beverages, while food should be consumed moderately, avoiding fatty, high-calorie or high-sugar products.

Vulnerable groups should take particular care, including people over 60, pregnant women, children, socially vulnerable people, workers who carry out activities outdoors and individuals with chronic illnesses. This category includes people with cardiovascular, neurological, lung and kidney diseases, diabetes, mental illnesses and obesity, as well as those taking therapies that increase urination. They should follow the advice diligently, take their medication regularly and contact their primary care doctor in the event of any change in their health condition.

The institute advises keeping windows and curtains closed during the day and opening them at night, when temperatures are lower. In the case of parked vehicles, the windows should be opened for ventilation and no one should be left inside. A lukewarm shower can be taken to cool down, while cold compresses or placing the feet in cold water can be used to further lower body temperature.

People who experience dizziness, weakness, discomfort, thirst or severe headaches should seek help, move as quickly as possible to a cooler environment and measure their body temperature. They should drink water or non-carbonated mineral beverages. In the event of muscle pain, particularly in the legs, arms and stomach, resting in a cool place and consuming fluids with electrolytes is recommended.

If a person’s health condition worsens, 194 or 112 should be called. Until emergency assistance arrives, the person should be taken to a cool place and laid horizontally, with their legs raised more than 20 cm. Their clothes should be removed, while external cooling can be carried out with cold compresses on the neck, armpits and groin. The skin should be cooled continuously and sprayed with water, without giving the person any medication. If they are unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position.

PHI emphasizes that consulting a doctor is essential in the event of unusual signs or symptoms, as well as when they persist for a longer period, urging citizens to follow the advice on care and protection during the heat wave.

According to the Hydrometeorological Administration, a warm air mass coming from the south will bring sunny and very hot weather during the extended weekend and through the end of next week. In some areas, there will be low to moderate cloud cover.

Daytime temperatures will exceed 32 degrees throughout the country, while in some places they are expected to surpass 40 degrees. High temperatures will also persist during the evening and night.

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According to Zulbeari, teams from the Public Health Institute immediately went into the field and began an epidemiological investigation, with the aim of identifying the cause of the situation as quickly as possible.

“The Public Health Centre is directly involved in the process of identifying the cause. Our teams have begun epidemiological surveys and collecting samples, which are crucial for determining the source of the problem,” he said.

He appealed to citizens seeking help at healthcare institutions for gastrointestinal symptoms to cooperate with epidemiological teams and complete the relevant questionnaires.

“In addition to receiving medical assistance, it is of great importance for patients to provide the necessary information through the epidemiological survey. Every piece of information is valuable and contributes to identifying the cause more quickly,” Dr. Zulbeari said.

Zulbeari stressed that the Public Health Institute will continue monitoring the situation in full coordination with the Ministry of Health, Gostivar Hospital and other responsible institutions.

“We will remain in the field and at the service of citizens 24 hours a day, until the situation is fully clarified and the cause is identified,” Zulbeari said.

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