NHS warning to anyone using electric fans to keep cool this summer

NHS warning to anyone using electric fans to keep cool this summer People should avoid a very tempting habit, as it can lead to health issues Millions of people will not be alone in using an electric fan to stay cool as the UK bakes under the current intense heat. Recently, the country experienced another scorching day where temperatures in parts of the country climbed back up to the high 30s. It was even declared as the hottest day of the year (for now). The Met Office has confirmed that temperatures reached 38.1°C in Kew Gardens, London, on August 13. This narrowly beats the previous record of 38°C set in Norfolk earlier this year on June 26. Although things are set to cool down, temperatures are expected to hang around the low 20s in parts of the UK. With this still being an uncomfortable heat for some, many Brits are unlikely to put their fans away for the season. But, health experts are warning those who have them switched on to cool off should avoid a very tempting habit. Although it may feel like the best way to beat the heat, it can lead to a serious issue. In severe cases, this condition can put people in the hospital in order to fully recover. In a post made by the NHS online, it claims that people should avoid sitting directly in front of their electric fans. The health service said: "If you can, use electric fans, but don’t point them directly at yourself as this can cause dehydration." It also claims that people should close blinds and curtains that face the sun during the day, switch off any lights and electrical equipment not being used. It said to cook at cooler times of the day and open windows only when the air outside feels cooler than inside "to help create some airflow". Why do fans cause us to get dehydrated? Electric fans speed up the evaporation of moisture from your skin and eyes by moving the air quickly. This cooling process removes sweat so fast that your body loses water without you noticing it, which leads to dry skin and mild dehydration if the air is very dry. The warning signs that you have been in front of a fan for too long include the following physical symptoms: - Dry or tight skin: Skin feels parched, itchy, or stretched - Chapped lips: Lips feel dry, cracked, or sore - Unusual thirst: A sudden, strong desire to drink water - Mild headache: A dull ache caused by early-stage dehydration - Muscle cramps: Stiffness from localised cooling and fluid loss People might notice that their eyes feel "gritty" or look bloodshot. In some cases, people could develop a raspy throat or a persistent dry cough. The best way to set the fan up for limited symptoms while still staying cool is to set it to rotate so the air moves around rather than hitting one spot. Keep the fan at least three feet away, have a glass of water nearby, and sip it regularly to replace lost fluids. For more information about managing dehydration risks, click here. The NHS has advice on how to reduce the risk of dehydration for yourself or others, and what to do in an emergency.