Health experts are advising Nigerians to limit their exposure to dust during this dry weather conditions, cautioning that it associated to various health implication on humans, affecting their skin, respiratory system and eyes.
Harmattan period usually occurs between the end of November and March each year and it comes with dryness and dust because there is little amount of water in the atmosphere (low humidity), this increases the spread of infections or diseases such as dry skin, cough cold, catarrh, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia.
Ojo Sikiru medical practitioner based in Lagos, said harmattan comes with dust that can trigger different infections and affect people with certain allergic conditions.
“The dryness and the dust can causes infections and asthma attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis”
“People should protect themselves from these infections, it is rampant in both children and adults,” said Sikiru.
Uzoma Onuoha, a gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, said the season brings with it certain ailments, and harsh weather condition, pregnant mothers need to take very good care of their health this season and avoid dusty environment.
“Season like this Asthma patient should be cautious because they tend to have more attacks during these period, the allergies from the dusty environment can trigger attack,” he added.
Public expert advised that people should increase fluid intake especially water to reduce dehydration caused by dryness.
“Warm drinks like tea or coffee will help provide you with warmth to fight cold,
“Wearing covered clothes and body moisturizers can be used to prevent dryness and cold,” he added.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
