Stay safe during the Cyprus summer

Cyprus enjoys sunshine almost all year round, but during the summer months temperatures can easily exceed 35–40°C. While most visitors enjoy the warm weather, prolonged exposure to heat can lead to serious health problems such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke. At Elpis Medical Centre in Paphos, we regularly treat tourists and local residents suffering from heat-related illnesses during the summer season.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salts through sweating. Common symptoms include:

✔ Excessive sweating
✔ Dizziness or light-headedness
✔ Headache
✔ Nausea or vomiting
✔ Fatigue and weakness
✔ Muscle cramps
✔ Increased heart rate

Without proper treatment, heat exhaustion may progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails and body temperature rises dangerously. Warning signs include:

✔ Body temperature above 40°C
✔ Confusion or altered mental state
✔ Loss of consciousness
✔ Severe headache
✔ Rapid breathing
✔ Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating

Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses:

  • Elderly individuals
  • Young children and infants
  • Pregnant women
  • People with diabetes
  • Patients with heart disease
  • Individuals taking diuretics or blood pressure medications
  • Tourists spending long hours outdoors

How to prevent Heat Illness during your Holiday

Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid peak sun hours: Try to stay indoors or in shaded areas between 11:00 and 16:00.

Wear appropriate clothing: Choose light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.

Use air conditioning: Ensure your accommodation is adequately cooled, especially during the night.

Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and increase the risk of heat-related illness.

When should you see a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent dizziness
  • Severe dehydration
  • High fever
  • Confusion
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

Medical care for Tourists in Paphos

Elpis Medical Centre provides same-day medical appointments for tourists and residents in Paphos. Our experienced doctors can assess dehydration, heat exhaustion, infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and other common summer health problems.

Why Choose Elpis Medical Centre?

✔ Over 30 years of medical experience
✔ English, German and Greek speaking doctors
✔ Same-day appointments
✔ Laboratory blood tests on-site
✔ Medical reports and insurance documentation
✔ 24/7 on-call medical support

Contact Us

📍 ELPIS Medical Centre, Kato Paphos
📞 +357 26 953000
🌐 www.elpis.cy

Stay safe, stay hydrated and enjoy your summer in Cyprus.
contact us!