| Literature DB >> 33857461 |
Stephan Bose-O'Reilly1, Hein Daanen2, Katharina Deering3, Nicola Gerrett2, Maud Maria Theresia Elisabeth Huynen4, Jason Lee5, Stefan Karrasch6, Franziska Matthies-Wiesler7, Hanna Mertes3, Julia Schoierer3, Joy Shumake-Guillemot8, Peter van den Hazel9, Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout10, Dennis Nowak11.
Abstract
Heat waves and Covid-19 overlap, as this pandemic continues into summer 2021. Using a narrative review, we identified overlapping risk groups and propose coping strategies. The high-risk groups for heat-related health problems as well as for high-risk COVID-19 groups overlap considerably (elderly with pre-existing health conditions). Health care facilities will again be challenged by Covid-19 during such heat waves. Health care personnel are also at risk of developing heat related health problems during hot periods due to the use of personal protective equipment to shield themselves from SARS-CoV-2 and must therefore be protected from excessive heat periods. Some existing recommendations for heat health protection contradict recommendations for COVID-19 protection. This paper provides a preliminary overview of possible strategies and interventions to tackle these ambiguities. The existing recommendations for protection against heat-related illnesses need revisions to determine whether they include essential aspects of infection control and occupational safety and how they may be supplemented.Entities:
Keywords: Covid-19; PPE; SARS-CoV-2; health care personnel; heat related health problem; heat wave; personal protection equipment; summer
Year: 2021 PMID: 33857461 PMCID: PMC8056477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111153
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Environ Res ISSN: 0013-9351 Impact factor: 6.498
Fig. 1Daily confirmed new cases (7-day moving average). Outbreak evolution for the current 10 most affected countries, February 14, 2021(https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/new-cases).
Fig. 2Vulnerable groups for heat stress and for COVID-19 and their intersection.
Possible interventions for medical and non-medical personnel.
| Recommendations and options specifically for occupational health and safety for medical and non-medical personnel: |
|---|
| ➢ |
| •Air conditioning system (RLT) or mobile air conditioning units. Air-conditioning systems need to be well maintained, while adequate settings and filters need to be adopted. Setting climate control systems to low “cold” temperatures (below 70 F/ 21C) and “dry” low humidity settings (below 40%) should be avoided. Devices without adequate filters could spread SARS-CoV-2 ( |
| •Passive, structural protection against solar radiation and avoidance of other heat sources ( |
| •Systematic and continuous recording of temperature/humidity in affected work areas, definition of threshold values ( |
| •Ventilating over night to use cooler air if possible ( |
| •In many places, electric fans may be more accessible; but may help transmit the virus indoors, and in very hot and dry environments these can increase heat stress; fans should be avoided if more people are in one room ( |
| ➢ |
| •Awareness raising and training of personnel on heat and virus related health risks and prevention measures ( |
| •Observance of heat warnings and implementation of respective prevention measures |
| •Establishing shorter work cycles in overheated rooms, more frequent breaks, changed shift patterns, better staff shift schedules ( |
| •Planning/shifting longer activities with the need for infection control to times of day/building areas with lower temperature/solar radiation |
| •Taking organisational measures within the team, e.g. for early symptoms of heat stress |
| •Encouraging mindfulness of oneself and colleagues; fostering open communication of problems in the institution ( |
| •Wearing adequate clothing under the protective equipment, if necessary, consider special clothing (cooling vests) in particularly stressful conditions ( |
| •Consideration of the possible overlap of hot spells (increased need for personnel) with the summer holidays (less available personnel due to increased holiday volume) in the duty roster or holiday planning (consider heat warnings) |
| ➢ |
| •Heat acclimatization and aerobic conditioning to enhance heat tolerance ( |
| •Start to work precooled ( |
| •Encourage staff to self-monitor their hydration; drinking unsweetened liquids/sports drinks/cold fluids/ice slushies before and during work; self-control of the body's own fluid balance (toilet); start work cooled and well hydrated ( |
Compatibility of recommendations for the two vulnerable groups for protection against heat versus protection against Covid-19.
| Compatibility of measures for the protection against the two different hazards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection against heat-related illnesses or mortality | Protection against Covid-19 | |
| Regular care – professional caretaker | Physical distancing (1–2 m) | |
| Regular support – relatives, neighbourhood help/volunteers | Self-isolation/social distancing | |
| Cool, breathable clothing | Face mask in all public buildings, shops, plastic facial screens, etc. | |
| Visiting cooling centers, cool spaces outdoors to avoid staying in overheated homes | Staying at home as much as possible | |
| Using night cooling; windows closed during heat | Airing rooms regularly | |
| Avoid physical activity during hot hours | Regular physical exercise to strengthen the immune system | |
| Using social networks | ✓ | Using social networks e.g. for shopping |
| Adjustment of medication by the doctor | ✓ | Adjustment of medication by the doctor |
| Cooling through nursing measures (wraps, arm/foot baths etc.) | ✓ | Coughing and sneezing etiquette, hand washing |
| Adequate hydration | ✓ | Balanced diet |
| Shopping in cooler mornings | ✓ | Shopping not at peak hours |
| Protecting the windows against sunlight and avoiding additional heat sources (e.g. electrical appliances) | ✓ | |
| When going outside, protecting the body against the sun with a hat | ||
| Relocation of sitting/sleeping places to rooms with lower temperature/less sun exposure | ✓ | |
| Avoid hot places, overheated public transport | ✓ | Avoid crowded places, public transport |
| ✓ | Get pneumococcal vaccination | |
| ✓ | Get Covid-19 vaccination | |