Know the Signs of Heat Illness. Act Fast.

Hot, dry weather can overheat your body in minutes. Download our free guide so you can spot the symptoms of heat illness and know what to do in an emergency.

Spot Heat Illness Before It Gets Serious

Learn how to spot early symptoms and understand when to take action.

MILD

Heat Rash

Symptoms:

Rash in skin folds or covered areas

Red, itchy bumps

Burning or prickly sensation

What to do:

Move to a cool environment, keep skin dry, and wear loose clothing.

See an Antidote virtual provider to help evaluate persistent rashes or possible infection.

How to Prevent it:

Wear loose, breathable clothing

Take breaks from heat and sweating when possible

MILD

Heat Cramps

Symptoms:

Painful muscle cramps (often in the legs)

Heavy sweating

Fatigue after prolonged activity

What to do:

Rest in a cool place, sip fluids with electrolytes, and gently stretch. Cramps after sweating may mean you've replaced water but not salt.

How to Prevent it:

Drink water and include electrolytes

URGENT

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness

Headache, nausea, or vomiting

Fast heart rate, fainting

Dark urine or reduced urination

What to do:

Stop activity, move indoors, cool the body, and drink fluids if able.

If symptoms are mild, schedule a visit with an Antidote virtual provider for guidance.

Seek urgent/emergency care if symptoms worsen, last more than one hour after cooling and hydration, or if the person faints, has persistent vomiting, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, or cannot keep fluids down.

How to Prevent it:

Avoid long periods in the heat

Stay indoors during peak heat hours, 10am - 6pm

EMERGENCY: CALL 911

Heat Stroke

Symptoms:

Confusion or abnormal behavior

Loss of consciousness or seizures

Very high body temperature

Severe weakness or collapse

What to do:

Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool place and try to lower body temperature with water or wet cloths while waiting for help. Do not rely on sweating — some people with heat stroke still sweat.

Heat stroke can lead to brain injury, kidney injury, muscle breakdown, and death.

How to Prevent it:

Act quickly if you feel dizzy, weak or nauseous

Cool down early if you feel unwell

Think It's Heat Illness?
What To Do Now

Mild Symptoms

Hydrate and treat symptoms at home.

Moderate Symptoms

Move indoors and consider scheduling a telehealth visit.

Severe Symptoms

Call 911 immediately.

recovery

What to Do After Symptoms Improve

Help your body recover fully and prevent symptoms from coming back.

Rest and Stay Cool

Give your body time to recover. Stay in a cool, air-conditioned space and avoid heat exposure for at least 24 hours.

Ease Back Into Activity

Return to normal activity slowly. Start with light activity and stop if symptoms return.

Keep Hydrating

Continue drinking water and electrolytes to replace fluids lost during heat exposure.

MEDICATION GUIDANCE

Heat Can Change How Some Medications Work

Extreme heat can increase your risk or change how your medications work. Talk to your provider or book a virtual visit with an Antidote provider if you take any of the medications below:

Never stop taking medications without talking to your provider first. Some over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, stimulants, and medications that affect sweating, thirst, blood pressure, or alertness may also increase heat risk.

Reminder: Insulin and many medications should not be left in a hot car or in direct sunlight.