Summer Planning Toolkit modules

Module 3: Chronic disease and heat

Managing multi-morbidities

Managing multi-morbidities

Many patients may present with multiple chronic health concerns that will exacerbate their sensitivity to heat-related stresses, as well as viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and influenza. Multi-morbidity may be more likely in vulnerable populations and older people 33.

Common multi-morbidities include arthritis, asthma, back problems, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, mental and behavioural conditions, osteoporosis, and heart, stroke and vascular disease 33

For patients who have multiple chronic conditions, it is important to consider the complexity and interaction of each condition, and how these may manifest during periods of extreme heat.

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