Know the Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses Infographic

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Heat effects everybody! When you are sick, you may get a fever with symptoms such as headache, sweating, or fatigue. Much like a fever, extreme heat stresses your body's ability to maintain its normal temperature and can result in similar symptoms.

This infographic shows the most common health effects (or symptoms) caused by extreme heat. 

infographic showing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses - heat cramps, heat exhausting, and heat stroke.

Text Version: Know the Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses Infographic

Heat Cramps

Symptoms

  • Heavey sweating.
  • Painful muscle cramps or spasms.

Treatment

  • Stop activity for a few hours.
  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.
  • Seek medical attention if cramps do not subside within one hours.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms

  • Heavy sweating.
  • Weakness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Fainting.
  • Irritability.
  • Thirst.
  • Decreased urine output.

Treatment

  • Move to an air-conditioned environment.
  • Lie down.
  • Loosen clothing or change into lightweight clothing.
  • Sip cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible. 
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour, or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. 

Heat Stroke

Symptoms

  • Very high body temperature.
  • Altered mental state.
  • Throbbing headache.
  • Confusion.
  • Nausea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
  • Unconsciousness.

Treatment

  • Call 911 immediately and follow the operator's directions -- this is a medical emergency.
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with whatever methods you can: wrap the person in cool cloths, immerse them in a cool bath, or spray them with cool hose water.
  • After administering cooling methods, move the person to a cooler place.
  • Do NOT give liquids.
  • if there are uncontrollable muscle twitches, keep the victim safe, but do not place any objects in his or her mouth.
  • if there is vomiting, turn the victim on his or her side to keep the airway open. 

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Last updated on September 30, 2025