Doctors issue Greece warning for UK tourists after four deaths

A Greek doctor has shared a stark warning on X around staying safe in the Mediterranean heatwave following the death of TV doctor Michael Mosley. “Dear Tourists to Greece: It is very hot. It is hotter than you think it is. Do not take hikes in the middle of the day. Do not hike by yourself. Wear a hat. Bring water. (4 people have died and one is missing so far and it is only June.)”

https://x.com/ae_stallings/status/1800815209982111756

UK doctor Masarat Jilina at bladder care company Jude has echoed the warning and shared her advice on how British tourists can stay safe in Greece and the Med in high temperatures. Dr Jilana said: “When abroad we can be more prone to dehydration and heatstroke than we are at home, as even in a British summer heatwave temperatures here very rarely reach the 30s, and we’re just not that used to it.

"In extreme temperatures staying hydrated is crucial to ensuring we stay healthy. In the Med temperatures regularly reach the mid-30s in summer. When we're well hydrated we are able to regulate our body's temperature by sweating, which is our body's number one way of cooling down in a hot climate. If we haven't drunk enough water, we won't have enough to sweat, which can lead to overheating and heat stroke.”

Dr Michael Mosley died in Greece after heading out for a walk from the beach. His cause of death has not been determined but it is feared he may have collapsed in the extreme heat.

Authorities in Greece closed the Acropolis in Athens for a second afternoon on Thursday as the country swelters in unseasonably high temperatures. The Culture Ministry said the hilltop citadel, which is Greece’s most popular ancient site, will be closed from midday to 5pm (0900-1400 GMT) because of the heat.

All other archaeological sites in the Greek capital closed during the same hours. People who have booked visits for that period can use their tickets later in the day, the ministry said. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40C (104F) on Thursday in much of central and southern Greece, including greater Athens, the Cyclades islands and Crete.

Officials are on heightened alert for wildfires, which plague Greece every summer. The minister responsible for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said Thursday posed a particular wildfire risk due to the combination of high temperatures and winds.

“The early start of the heatwaves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season,” he said. The fire service also warned of a very high wildfire threat on Friday.

Authorities in Athens are providing air-conditioned areas for the public and have issued fans to secondary schools where end-of-year and university entrance exams are being held.

Cooler temperatures are expected on Friday and Saturday.

Dr. Masarat Jilani at Jude provides her advice on staying hydrated in hot climates:

Drink Water This may sound obvious, but drink plenty of water. Aim for 3 litres a day in hot weather, and don't get caught outside in the heat without water. Ensure that if you are going outside, even for a short walk, you carry a bottle of water with you.

Limit Alcohol Yes, I know you're on holiday, but drinking too much alcohol in a hot climate can make it hard to stay well-hydrated. If you do drink alcohol, ensure that for each glass you drink, you compensate with an additional glass of water.

Water-Based Snacks Enjoy snacks and salads with a high water content, such as cucumbers, strawberries, and all types of melon. These water-rich foods will help top up your hydration throughout the day.

Pack Electrolyte Solutions If you know your destination is undergoing a heatwave, plan ahead and pack electrolyte solutions or rehydration salts to help replenish lost minerals from sweating.

Check the Colour of Your Urine One of the most obvious signs of dehydration is dark-coloured urine. Healthy and hydrated urine should be a pale yellow straw colour. If you notice yours is dark, take this as a sign to focus on rehydration.