With the onset of the dry season, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) advised the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke.
“Hindi po biro ang heat stroke dahil maaari po itong magdulot ng permanent damage sa utak at iba pang vital organs tulad ng puso at kidneys, kaya iwasan po sana nating magbababad sa init,” PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said.
The PhilHealth chief reminded the public that the state insurer covers confinement for heat stroke, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion at P6,500, including P4,550 for hospital fees, and P1,950 for professional fees.
“Kapag masyadong mainit ang panahon ngayong tag-init, sumilong po muna tayo at iwasan muna natin ang pag-inom ng hot beverages tulad ng kape at tsaa. Ugaliin din po nating uminom ng tubig para hindi tayo madehydrate,” he added.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment. Heat stroke occurs when core body temperature rises to 41°C or higher and the body is unable to cool down.
Symptoms may include confusion, altered mental status, and slurred speech; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; seizures; and very high body temperature.
“Those with the highest risk for heat stroke are the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic diseases. Dalhin po agad sa ospital ang sinumang nagpapakita ng sintomas ng heat stroke,” Ledesma said.
The PhilHealth chief reminded the public that the state insurer covers confinement for heat stroke, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion at P6,500, including P4,550 for hospital fees, and P1,950 for professional fees.
“Bilang paunang lunas ay maaari po tayong mag-apply ng basang bimpo o tuwalya sa ulo, leeg, kili-kili at singit. Kung maaari ay bigyan din po ng cold water o ice bath ang pasyente upang mapababa ang kanyang body temperature,” he said.
