Daily Trust Sunday

Common illnesses associated with harmattan

- by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

As the rainy season bids us farewell, the harmattan is about to give us a chilly and dusty visits. As we all know, the harmattan season is one that comes with illnesses here and there before it ends. That is what makes it important for us to get familiar with the illnesses we will be mostly prone to. Dr. Aysha Adama of Nisa Hospital, Abuja let’s takes us through some of the illnesses we all should gear up for.

Allergies: The signature sign of harmattan is the cold weather and dust. Therefore, if you have a history of allergies, knowing all the necessary precaution­s to take beforehand will help a long way in dealing with the menace before it even begins.

Cold and catarrh: Viral infections that attack your respirator­y system are worse in cold weather. So stay warm and get warm to prevent the chances of catching a cold or a blocked/ runny nose.

Dry skin: Investing heavily in sealants and moisturize­rs will help in preventing flaky, chapped and cracked skin. Also stay away from harsh and drying soaps. Stay hydrated.

Asthma: Asthma patients should also take extra care during harmattan. There are so many triggers that can cause you to have an attack, most especially the cold and dust. So keep your medication nearby at all times. With additional informatio­n from the internet

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