Are sunstroke and heatstroke the same?
On call
Is there any difference between sunstroke and heatstroke and are there certain signs and symptoms I should look for?The first symptoms of overheating are excessive thirst, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Once heatstroke sets in, you stop sweating and may even stop being thirsty. This is when heatstroke becomes a medical emergency. Preventing heatstroke comes down to common sense. If you need to be outside in warm temperatures, make sure to drink plenty of fluids regularly. You should replenish fluids with a combination of sports drinks and water. And never ignore any of the early warnings.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
