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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- With the Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, that means summer time heat is on the way too. For Monday’s Facebook Story of the day, many of you wanted to know more on heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia that causes the body temperature to rise dangerously high above 104 degrees. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a true medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly treated. Heat stroke victims have an increase in body temperature, a throbbing headache, nausea, and dizziness.

While the elderly are at greatest risk to heat stroke, infants and children are also at risk. If someone has heat stroke it is important to cool their body down to a safe level. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin, and get them to drink fluids if possible.

“If they know that they are going to be out in the heat to drink a lot of fluids, avoid the times of day when it’s extremely hot, around noon that should be a time when people should stay inside. They need to go to shaded areas. If they don’t have air-conditioning at home, perhaps they can go to a neighbor’s house. We want to remind everybody if you know somebody that doesn’t have air conditioning to check on them throughout the day to make sure that they’re staying cool, Lori Guffey, R.N. for the Adair County Health Dept.

With summertime right around the corner, it is important to make sure you are prepared for the heat and humidity. By wearing light fitting clothing, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding outdoor activities when it’s hot, you will decrease your chances for heat stroke.