Some Differences Between Classic and Exertional Heatstroke

Onset

2–3 days

Hours

Patients usually affected

Older, sedentary adults; young children; those with medical conditions

Healthy active people (eg, athletes, military recruits, factory workers)

Risk factors

No air-conditioning during summer heat waves

Limited access to fluids

Intense exertion, particularly without acclimatization

Skin

Usually hot and dry but sometimes moist with sweat

Often moist with sweat