Dehydration
Who is most vulnerable?
Poor hydration has an adverse affect on everyone, but in particular:
- children
- children and adults who are more physically active
- older people whose compensatory mechanisms may not respond quickly or who have disabilities affecting access to fluids
- the sick
- athletes who can sustain sudden and severe fluid/electrolyte losses
Times when people are most at risk from dehydration include:
- during exercise
- in hot weather
- in central heated or air conditioned rooms
- when they have a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting
- when flying
- in offices with electrical equipment
