Quick answer: Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and cool, clammy skin. Move to a cool place, drink water and rest. If you don’t feel better within an hour, or you can’t keep fluids down, go to urgent care for evaluation and IV fluids. Heat stroke is an emergency: call 911 for a body temperature of 103°F or higher, confusion, fainting, or hot skin with little sweating.
Summers in Alexandria and the DC area bring long stretches of heat and humidity. High humidity makes it harder for sweat to cool your body, which raises the risk of heat illness, especially for outdoor workers, athletes, older adults and young children.
New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke (emergency) | |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Cool, pale, clammy | Hot, red, dry or damp |
| Sweating | Heavy | May be reduced |
| Mental state | Alert, may feel faint | Confused, slurred speech, may pass out |
| Other signs | Headache, nausea, cramps, weakness | Temperature 103°F or higher, fast pulse, seizure |
| What to do | Cool down, hydrate, seek care if not better in 1 hour | Call 911 and cool the person right away |
First aid for heat exhaustion
- Move to shade or air conditioning.
- Loosen or remove extra clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool shower.
- Sip water or a sports drink.
- Rest. Don’t return to activity the same day.
When to come to urgent care
- Symptoms aren’t improving after an hour of rest and fluids
- You’re vomiting or can’t keep fluids down
- Severe muscle cramps
- Signs of dehydration, like dizziness or very dark urine
- Painful sunburn with blisters, fever or chills. See sunburn care.
PACS provides heat illness treatment 7 days a week, including IV fluids for faster rehydration.
Call 911 for heat stroke
While waiting for help, move the person somewhere cool and cool them quickly with cold water, ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin, or a cool bath. Don’t give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.
How to prevent heat illness
- Drink water before you feel thirsty
- Schedule outdoor work and exercise for early morning or evening
- Wear light, loose clothing and a hat
- Take breaks in the shade
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car
- Check on older neighbors during heat waves
- Ask your provider if any medicines raise your heat risk
Frequently asked questions
Can urgent care treat heat exhaustion?
Yes. Urgent care can evaluate you, check for dehydration and give IV fluids. Heat stroke needs the ER.
How long does heat exhaustion last?
Most people feel better within a few hours of cooling down and rehydrating, but you may feel tired for a day or two.
Who is most at risk?
Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with heart disease or who take certain medicines.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.
