Why is the body uncomfortable when it is damp?
Dr. Vishnu Laalitha Surapaneni, doctor and associate professor at the Medical School, University of Minnesota (USA), shared with very Well Health that the human body has a natural cooling mechanism by sweating. However, if the humidity in the air is too high, the sweat will not be able to escape, the body cannot cool down, causing the temperature inside to increase. "If body temperature exceeds normal by about 37°C, we can have serious health problems," she said.
When is humidity dangerous?
Scientists have a way to measure the danger called water temperature, which means combining both temperature and humidity to measure the actual feeling of the body. 35°C is considered the limit that humans can endure for a few hours. However, some new studies show that the risk level may be lower, depending on the location of each person and environmental conditions.
Dr. Daniel J. Vecellio, a climate change expert at the University of Nebraska in Omaha (USA), believes that we should not rely on just one number. There are too many personal factors that affect heat tolerance, from age, health to lifestyle habits, he said.
Instead of just looking at temperature, you should pay attention to the temperature index, which is a number that shows the true feeling of the body when combining temperature and humidity. A temperature of 39°C or higher is considered dangerous, can cause cramps, exhaustion, or heatstroke.
What should you do on hot, humid days?
According to Dr. Tania Busch Isaksen, lecturer in Public Health at the University of Washington, the elderly, children, and people with underlying diseases are the most vulnerable groups when the weather is too hot and humid. To prevent risks, she advises:
Live indoors with air conditioners if possible
Drink enough water, even if you are not thirsty
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the afternoon and evening
Take a cool bath to cool down
Listen to your body, if you feel dizzy, tired, sweating a lot or your heart is beating rapidly, you should rest and cool down immediately
Isaksen also noted: People who live in hot areas all year round will get used to it more, but in places that used to be cool like Seattle, when the climate changes and unusually hot weather appears, the body will be more susceptible to heatstroke.
