ALERT: Expert shares little-known health advice amid Ireland's mini heatwave

Health experts have warned Irish people to follow these tips ahead of heatwaves set to hit Ireland this weekend.

Temperatures are set to hit the mid 20's later this week, according to Met Éireann's most recent weather forecast, with a high 23 degrees predicted for Thursday May 15. 

The HSE has issued health advice on heatstroke and heat exhaustion as well how to prevent and treat sever sun burning, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

People most vulnerable during heatwaves are the elderly, children, people in certain workplaces like fast food restaurants and other vulnerable groups, and can be dangerous if you are not cautious.

Heatstroke can be seriously dangerous is not treated medically, the HSE has warned, and urges anyone to contact emergency services if you or someone you know experiences symptoms.

The HSE's tips for keeping cool when inside:

• Turn off lights and appliances not in use as they generate heat
• Close windows that face the sun during the day, and open them at night when the temperature drops
• Close curtains in rooms that get morning or afternoon sun
• Sprinkle water over your skin, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
• Use an electric fan (but only if the temperature is below 35 degrees)

When outside you should:

• Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day if possible (11am to 3pm)
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Regularly apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) water-resistant sunscreen to skin that is not covered, using factor 30+ for
• Adults and 50+ for children
• Stay in the shade
• Drink plenty of fluids

Adults need about two litres of water over 24 hours, according to the HSE, and health professionals recommend that the best fluids to drink are water or oral rehydration sachets.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• A headache
• Dizziness and confusion
• Loss of appetite and feeling sick
• Heat rash
• Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin - a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
• Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• Fast breathing or a fast pulse
• A high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
• Being very thirsty

To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the HSE recommends to:

• Drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
• Take cool baths or showers
• Wear light coloured, loose clothing
• Sprinkle water over your skin or clothes
• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Avoid excess alcohol
• Avoid extreme exercise

To treat severe sun burn, you should: 

• Get out of the sun as soon as possible
• Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel - do not to let a baby or young child get too cold
• Apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
• Drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
• Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
• Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed

You shouldn't use petroleum jelly, i.e Vaseline, on sunburnt skin, according to the HSE.

You also shouldn't put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin, pop any blisters, scratch or try to remove peeling skin or wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin.