HYDERABAD, May 28: The head of the department of paediatrics, Isra University Hospital, Dr Hatif Ali Shamsi, has said that due to the intense heat in Hyderabad and surrounding areas children between three to five years of age were more vulnerable to heatstroke.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Dr Shamsi said that drinking plenty of water and protection from sun was necessary for children.

He said due to low humidity and hot winds people in general and children in particular could suffer heatstroke which he said could lead to dehydration.

Dr Shamsi said the symptoms of heatstroke were high-grade fever, dried and cracked lips and tongue, and extreme thirst.