"When temperatures cross 41 degrees Celsius and the body is unable to dissipate adequate amounts of heat, the result is a heat-stroke," says Dr Gurinder of the General Hospital. Heat-strokes come in two varieties: "exertional", which is sporadic and affects young healthy individuals; and "classic", which typically hits people over 50 years of age. As the name implies, an exertional heat-stroke occurs when a person exerts a lot.

Working too hard and too long in the sun can result in headache, gooseflesh, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, unsteady gait and slurred speech and maybe, even fainting.

A classic heat-stroke is characterised by headache, vertigo faintness, abdominal distress and confusion. Sweat glands stop working and the skin feels hot and dry. Pulse rate is rapid and respiration is weak. Patients complain of lethargy and stupor. In very severe cases, they may fall into a coma.

Heat-strokes should not be taken lightly. They are a medical emergency requiring heroic measures. Remove all the victim's clothing and rub the torso as well as the soles of the feet and palms of the hands with ice to bring down the temperature as quickly as possible. Thereafter, bathe the patient with tepid water and keep him under a fan. Says PGI's Dr Susheel: "Prevention is better than cure so avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear light-coloured clothes when you go out." Dr Gurinder adds: "Drink plenty of fluids and increase your salt intake."

It is also wise to be guided by the past. Generations of Indians were not fools when they kept their heads well covered when they went out, preferred to dress in light, loose cottons, bathed frequently, went off heavy, greasy foods in favour of fruits, vegetables and lassi and snoozed through the hot afternoon lying under wet towels in the breeziest place they could find. Weeks and weeks of high-temperature torture are still before us but those who know better than to dare the Sun god's wrath can expect to come through in reasonably "cool" shape.