Health

Prevention of Heat-Related Illness

Children and teenagers are more at risk of heat stress than adults because they are generally smaller and weigh less, absorb heat more rapidly and produce more heat when active. 

They also sweat less and cannot lose heat as rapidly as well as losing body fluid quickly.

You can reduce your child’s risk of experiencing heat stress by ensuring they drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor activities and wear protective clothing.

Key facts

• Children need to drink water throughout the day to help maintain their body temperature and make bodily fluids and function.
• Young children and babies are at the highest risk of becoming dehydrated.

Mild dehydration can be treated at home by giving oral rehydration fluids or water.  Do not give drinks that are high in sugar. 

By the time your child is thirsty, they are probably already dehydrated.

How much water should my child drink?

The recommended daily intake of water for children is:

• 4 to 8 years old: 5 cups
• 9 to 13 years old: 5 to 6 cups
• 14 to 18 years old: 6 to 8 cups

Judy Buckley

College Nurse