Beyond Discomfort, Heat Related Illness Could Be Deadly

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The heat and humidity are not only uncomfortable, but also potentially dangerous.

As CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, even though heat related illness is less common these days because there are many public places with air conditioning, the CDC said there are still an average of more than 600 heat related deaths nationally, and many more heat illnesses every year.

Heat illness comes in a couple of types of escalating severity, by far the most common is heat exhaustion.

The first sign of a heat problem is muscle cramps. That's a warning sign that you could be headed for trouble.

Web Extra: Staying Safe In The Summer Heat

Then, there's very heavy sweating, confusion, nausea or vomiting, a fast or weak pulse, and weakness or fainting.

If you stop sweating and your skin get hot and red you could be on your way to heat stroke, a true medical emergency.

At the first sign of any of these symptoms move to a cooler location immediately, lie down, and apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible, and of course, drink water.

If your skin gets hot and dry, you're vomiting or your body temperature is about 103, get to an emergency room immediately.

The most important way to stay safe in the heat is to drink plenty of water. If your urine isn't clear or pale yellow, you need more fluids.