The Chief Public Health Officer called attention to the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and looking out for oneself and others during the heatwave, in a video uploaded on Sunday to the Facebook page of the Government of Hungary.

Beatrix Oroszi, who was questioned on the topic by government spokesperson Anita Köböl, said that a minimum of two and a half litres of water per day is recommended, but those who are on the move frequently, sweating, or engaging in physical activity need even more than that.

Most people do not feel thirsty, yet they must still take care to drink the appropriate amount of water, or they risk becoming dehydrated, she added. She noted that the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and children require the most attention, but anyone can fall ill due to insufficient fluid intake.

The Chief Public Health Officer said that the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and children should, where possible, avoid going out into the sun altogether, and instead spend their time in a cooled room or a shaded space.

Asked what to do if we see someone who is feeling unwell, Beatrix Oroszi replied that we should ask whether they are in pain or feeling dizzy, try to give them cold water, and help them to a cool place.

If their condition does not improve quickly, it may be necessary to call an ambulance, she added.

The chief medical officer called on people to look out for one another and for themselves. If we feel even slightly dizzy or unsteady at any moment, we should let those around us know — or even a stranger — and ask for help; and if we see that someone else is unwell, we should offer our assistance, Beatrix Oroszi said.

Artificial intelligence was used for the translation of parts of the original Hungarian text.