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With heat indices rising into triple digits, the Alabama Department of Public Health advises the public to be alert to the warning signs of heat illnesses.

The most common heat-related illnesses are as follows:

• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

Heat cramps — include muscle pains or spasms (abdomen, arms, or legs), profuse sweat, and high salt concentration in the sweat.

Heat exhaustion: is associated with heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. Other possible symptoms may include cool and moist skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, or irritability. Older adults, those with high blood pressure. and those working or exercising in a hot environment are prone to heat exhaustion. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it may progress to heatstroke.

Heat stroke or sunstroke: the most serious heat-related illness, a life-threatening problem, may occur when the body is unable to control its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Signs include an extremely high body temperature, red, hot, and dry or moist skin, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, combativeness or confusion, and unconsciousness.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening.

Recommendations are that people drink plenty of fluids except alcohol or caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration, stay in an air-conditioned room, keep out of the sun by seeking shelter, wear a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, take cool showers or baths, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day.

Individuals with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor circulation, or previous stroke problems, people of older and younger ages, and those taking certain medications are at greater risk of becoming ill in hot weather.

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/index.html