COVID-19 and heat waves: New challenges for healthcare systems

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 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.

Automated summary

Research suggests that there are overlapping risk groups for heat waves and Covid-19, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Healthcare facilities will face challenges during heat waves once again, requiring better protection for healthcare personnel from the heat, as well as revisions to prevention measures due to conflicting recommendations for heat health protection and Covid-19 protection.