Mid-summer heat set in before spring was over this year, and the quick transition could cause issues for people who work or exercise outside.
"We went so quick from it being spring temperatures to soon seeing 100 degree heat with 109 heat index," said Dr. Matt Young, physician owner and medical director of Texarkana Emergency Center.
"Usually our bodies can get acclimated or adjust to it but as quick as the heat has come on with the humidity, it's going to be difficult for us to be ready this summer," he added.
Most at risk for heat-related issues are people with chronic illnesses, children, people with heart conditions and people who take medications to treat cardiovascular issues, but even those in great shape have to watch out.
"It can affect anybody including an otherwise normal, healthy individual. It's extremely important to use caution when you're exercising or working in this type of heat," Young said.
Getting too hot can cause a variety of symptoms, from bothersome to life-threatening.
"The progression starts with heat exposure. Those of us who aren't really used to the heat get involved in an activity that causes us to sweat excessively. You could get light-headed or feel dizzy and feel like you're getting weak and need rest," Young said.
When someone is feeling bothered by the heat, it's time to find shade or a cool space and to hydrate before symptoms become more serious.
"From heat exposure you progress to heat exhaustion. The body will sweat excessively. You have increased heart rate, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shallow breathing and a person might feel like they're going to pass out. That's when it's extremely important to get a person in the shade or a cool area and start rehydrating them with water and a sports drink. During this phase people can have heat cramps because they've lost the excess minerals their body has. It's important to have them increase electrolyte or mineral intake and maybe add in some protein with something like peanut butter crackers. These illnesses can usually be overcome with rest and hydration if the person can tolerate oral fluid intake," Young said.
Heat exposure, untreated, can lead to heat stroke, a sometimes deadly illness. During heat stroke, a person starts to show the neurological effects from heat illness including dizziness, passing out, seizures and confusion.
"Their body temperature can skyrocket to between 104 and 106 degrees. The patient may be sweating or they may not be sweating. The normal body temperature thermo-regulators can be altered. They can have difficulty breathing and decreased heart rate. Unfortunately this can lead to death if it's not taken seriously," Young said.
Once it reaches this point, it's time to call 911.
"In the meanwhile while you're waiting for EMS, move the patient to a cool place and try to cool them down with oral hydration if they can tolerate it. Use external cooling methods like fans or packing their underarms with ice to help try to cool their body down," Young said.
Seeing these illnesses in summer in the South isn't unusual.
"Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not uncommon this time of year. Prevention is obviously the best cure. Make sure you hydrate prior to starting any kind of activity. Also make sure you're doing your most strenuous activity early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature and humidity aren't as high," Young said.
Other recommendations include wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and slowly increasing activity levels.
"We've got to slowly acclimate to the heat we'll be seeing for the rest of the summer," he said.