The elderly, chronic patients, and young children are the most vulnerable groups during extreme heat, and Doctor Macura gave concrete health protection advice for Kurir TV.
As temperatures show no signs of easing and residents face a tropical wave, Doctor Nada Macura shared important advice for preserving health and avoiding the consequences of extreme heat. In an interview for Kurir TV, published on the Kurir.rs portal on Saturday, August 1, 2026, she particularly emphasized who is most at risk and how to properly respond in emergency situations.
Doctor Macura pointed out that the elderly, chronic patients, and very young children are primarily at risk. "Elderly people are not as resilient to all weather conditions, chronic patients are bothered by high temperatures due to cardiovascular diseases and arterial blood pressure, while young children do not have a fully developed thermoregulation system," Macura said for Kurir TV. She stressed that she does not want to scare viewers but rather raise awareness about the importance of listening to the signals the body sends.
As a basic rule for leaving the house, the doctor cites a bottle of water. "A water bottle is a top priority," she said, adding that a light breeze is also an ally because it promotes sweating, which is the body's natural defense mechanism. For those who have returned from vacation, she hopes they have gathered enough energy, while advising those just setting off to be cautious in traffic, as high temperatures can lead to decreased concentration. She explicitly warned: "Absolutely no alcohol; teas are good, even iced teas, coffee as desired, but the most important thing is to take in enough fluids."
To help the body cope with the heat more easily, Macura recommends staying near water. "If at all possible, be near water. Lakes, rivers, pools-that's what's needed now. It's important to find a way to cool the body and avoid overheating," she said. For the most vulnerable groups, however, the safest solution is to stay indoors. "For the elderly, chronic patients, and children, the best option is home with air conditioning," she said, suggesting that the weekend be used to adapt to the heatwave that will persist.
Doctor Macura also gave clear instructions for providing first aid to a person who collapses due to heat. The first and basic rule is not to lift the person. "Leave them lying down, spray them with water-we already have a water bottle. Raise their legs at a 45-degree angle, move the person to shade if possible, and call emergency services at 194," Macura concluded. These steps are crucial for stabilizing the person until professional medical help arrives.
