212 have already died in Spain: the heat wave spreading in Europe

The unusual heat wave spreading across Europe continues to claim victims. According to reports on the continent, in the last few days, about 212 deaths were recorded in Spain due to the temperature recorded in several districts of the country. As a result, tourists arriving in the popular country have received an unusual heat warning, although the wave is starting to weaken a little, as reported today (Friday) in the British Mirror.

“These are preliminary data and we will have to wait a week for them to begin to stabilize, said Diana Gomez, a scientist at the National Center for Epidemiology in Spain. At the same time, the Spanish Ministry of Health called on tourists and local residents to be especially careful with alcohol on hot days: “Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks because they may worsen dehydration during heat waves.”

The recommendation does not come from a vacuum. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and may lead to dehydration. In extreme heat conditions, the body already loses fluids through sweating, so drinking alcohol increases the risk of exhaustion or heat stroke.

In Spain they also call to increase the drinking of water, even when there is no feeling of thirst, to learn to wear light and breathable clothes, to stay in cool and shady places and to avoid strenuous activity during the hot hours. The British Foreign Ministry also warned that “extreme weather can affect many areas in Spain, especially in the summer months”, and referred citizens to the updates of the Spanish Meteorological Service.