During heatwaves, women are more likely to die than men

While France is going through a (new) heat wave – Tuesday 23 August was the hottest day on record since 15 August – health authorities are trying to somehow limit the excess deaths related to the heat.

Read also: 5 (simple) tips to survive the heat wave

According to a study by the Institute for Global Health in Barcelona, ​​​​this message of vigilance should especially be aimed at women. In fact, they incur greater risk of dying prematurely why during heat waves than men, revealed this study reported by Publication.

Their analyzes showed that overall there was 56% more heat-related deaths among women than in men, and these data mainly affect women over 65, for whom the mortality rate is 27% higher.

Weak prevention specifically for women

This study was possible thanks to Eurostat data, based on heatwave periods of summer 2022, the hottest season ever recorded in Europe since 2003. The researchers were thus able to quantify the heat-related and gender-related mortality rate.

However, Spain is not the only country to have demonstrated, through a scientific study, the danger of the heat wave for women, notes Publication. This is also the case in the Netherlands, where these mortality studies were conducted. The deadly heat wave that hit France in 2003 served as a warning. At the same age, the death rate among women was average 15% more than men “, reports the newspaper.

But despite these warnings, there is nothing no gender distinction in prevention messagesBecause only pregnant women are considered particularly fragile by French public health, together with the elderly, or even the disabled.

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