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Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

Know the signs and be able to tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion this summer:

Heat stroke

What to look for What to do
High body temperature (103° or higher) or hot, red, dry or damp skin Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency
Fast, strong pulse Move the person to a cooler place
Headache, dizziness, or nausea Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
Confusion or Losing consciousness (passing out) Do not give the person anything to drink, and get medical help immediately

Heat exhaustion

What to look for What to do
Heavy sweating Move to a cool place
Cold, pale and clammy skin Loosen your clothes
Fast, weak pulse Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, or fainting (passing out) Get medical help immediately if you are vomiting, symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than an hour

Source: Center for Disease Control

*If you see any of these signs listed above, get medical help immediately.

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