When summer’s here, your kids want to be one place: outside. But too much heat can become a problem quickly, especially during long days outside.

As temperatures climb and your kids spend more time playing outdoors, the risk for heat illness in kids rises (especially given that children can overheat more easily than adults). It’s important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if your child shows signs of either.

Here’s what every parent should know about heat illness and summer safety.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: What’s the Difference?

Heat exhaustion in children happens when the body gets too hot and has difficulty cooling itself down. Heat stroke is more serious. It means the body’s cooling system has stopped working, and your child’s temperature can spike to dangerous levels quickly.

The first condition is serious; the second is a medical emergency.

Heat exhaustion warning signs include:

• Heavy sweating
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
• Headache

Heat stroke symptoms in kids include:

• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness
• Not sweating despite the heat
• Seizures

An overheating child can quickly progress from heat exhaustion to heat stroke if early signs are missed, so acting quickly is important.

What to Do If Your Child Is Overheating

If your child is showing signs of heat exhaustion, act quickly while staying calm.

1. Move them to a cool, shaded, and/or air-conditioned space right away
2. Have them lie down and elevate their legs slightly
3. Offer cool water (not ice cold) to sip
4. Apply cool, wet clothes to their neck, armpits, and forehead

With this treatment, most children will start to feel better within 30 minutes or so. 

If they don’t, or if your child shows any of the above signs of heat stroke, you need to call 911 and seek medical care at once. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

How KidsStreet Urgent Care Can Help

Not every situation calls for the ER, and urgent care clinics for kids like KidsStreet can help your kiddo find comfort and relief from the heat.

KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week! Our friendly providers can help you keep your children safe, comfortable, and healthy so they can soak up all the sun they can handle and enjoy everything the summer has to offer. Register online to save your spot in line and reduce your wait time. This is not an appointment, but it helps you plan your visit.

We’re here to help your family stay safe and healthy all summer long.