The Telangana Health department has issued a public advisory urging citizens to take precautions against heatwave conditions after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures across the State over the next three days. The advisory was issued on Friday by B. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare.
According to the advisory, residents have been asked to stay well hydrated and drink sufficient water regularly even if they do not feel thirsty. People are advised to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and consume homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, fruit juices and salt-sugar solution. Citizens are also advised to carry water while travelling and to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, pineapples and cucumbers, along with other locally available produce.
People have also been advised to remain properly covered while stepping outdoors. The health department recommends wearing thin, loose cotton garments, preferably light coloured ones, and covering the head with an umbrella, hat, cap, towel or other traditional headgear while exposed to direct sunlight.
The advisory further urges residents to remain indoors as much as possible and stay in well ventilated and cool places. Outdoor activities should be limited to cooler parts of the day, particularly mornings and evenings. Proper ventilation should also be ensured in cooking areas by opening doors and windows.
The department has cautioned people to avoid going out in the sun between 12 noon and 3 pm and to avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon. The advisory also recommends avoiding high protein, salty, spicy and oily food, and warns against consuming stale food.
The advisory lists several warning signs of heat related illness, including nausea and vomiting, hot, red and dry skin, body temperature of 40°C or 104°F or higher, throbbing headache, anxiety, dizziness and fainting, muscle weakness or cramps, rapid heartbeat and rapid shallow breathing. Severe symptoms such as confusion, agitation, irritability, lack of coordination, seizures and coma may indicate altered mental sensorium and require immediate medical attention.
As part of precautionary measures, the government has made arrangements across public health facilities by providing special beds, intravenous fluids and essential medicines. ORS sachets have also been distributed to auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and anganwadi workers to respond to emergencies, the advisory said.
Published – March 06, 2026 06:55 pm IST
