ORLANDO, Fla. — Doctors with AdventHealth said they’ve seen a 20% spike in the numbers of patients coming in with heat-related illnesses this summer.

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The hospital said they’ve seen a 20% increase in the number of patients coming to the ER for heat-related illnesses compared to last year. Doctors said they’ve also seen a 115% increase at their urgent cares in the last two weeks.

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Doctors are stressing that people should stay hydrated and limit their time in the sun, and wear sunscreen and a hat if outside.

Erica Roth said about three weeks ago, she had to be taken to the hospital after too much exposure to the sun.

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“I was just complaining my head was pounding and my stomach, and I didn’t know what was going on and it turned out it was dehydration,” she said, adding that people should remember to trink water and electrolytes to avoid getting sick.

“Avoid things like alcohol, juices, milk and soda,” she said.

Orlando hit 99 degrees on Tuesday, breaking the previous record for the day of 98 degrees set in 1987, according to the National Weather Service.

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Morning forecast: Tuesday, Aug.8 (WFTV)

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