Harmattan: Doctors urge precautionary measures against infections

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LequteMan

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Some healthcare experts on Wednesday in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos advised Nigerians to take preventive measures against diseases associated with the harmattan.

The harmattan season is usually a dry and dusty period associated with low humidity and as a result, the weather is harsh to the hair and skin.

Dr Oluwajimi Shodipo, a Family Medicine Specialist in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, said that harmattan dust increased cases of respiratory infections such as asthma, cough, catarrh, tonsillitis, influenza, and pneumonia.

“Asthma patients should be cautious. They tend to have more attacks because harmattan carries dust, pollen grains and other allergenic materials capable of triggering attacks,’’ he said.

Shodipo advised patients to visit health facilities for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Medical Director, Sheffi Hospital, Egbeda, Lagos, Dr James Asoka, said that harmattan season could be associated with extreme cold and hot weathers that required appropriate clothing to reduce incidences of respiratory infections.

“During harmattan season, the weather can be cold or very hot. It is, therefore, very necessary to wear appropriate clothes, depending on the temperature.

Asoka urged parents to protect their children from getting infections associated with the harmattan season.

Also, a Public Health Officer, Dr Taiwo Oguntoyin, advised Nigerians to take much liquid, especially water, during harmattan to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.

He, however, cautioned against drinking of water from unsafe sources.

The expert said that adequate intake of Vitamin C would also aid recovery for people who already had ailments.

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