Public health physicians have urged Nigerians to embrace preventive measures against the effects of the dry season in the country.
Dry season begins around November and peaks around March and April when the temperature is hottest, before subsiding in June/July every year.
The experts warned that the dry season could trigger respiratory diseases, an increase in asthmatic attacks, and a cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak in the country.
They identified children, people who have asthmatic and chronic bronchitis and Nigerians in the northern part of the country as those who are more at risk of the dry season.
A Professor of Public Health, Tanimola Akande, said despite the diseases and other health challenges that could be triggered by the dry season, some measures could be adopted to prevent the adverse effects of the season.
The don said while all age groups are at risk of the diseases associated with the dry season, children are more vulnerable to the effect.
According to him, the environment is dusty and also has dry air while water scarcity is pronounced during the dry season.
“Diseases that are common during the dry season include respiratory diseases like the common cold, bronchitis, and an increase in asthmatic attacks. There is also an increase in some diarrhoea and skin diseases due to water scarcity during the dry season. Meningitis outbreaks are common during the dry season.
“All age groups are at risk of these diseases, but children are more vulnerable. People who are asthmatic or have chronic bronchitis are at risk. People living in certain locations, particularly the northern part of the country, are more at risk,” the former National Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, said.
He, however, urged Nigerians to protect themselves by reducing exposure to the dry, dusty air and also take vaccines to prevent diseases like meningitis.
“This can be done by staying more indoors during this period. The use of face masks will also reduce exposure to dust and germs during this period. When the weather is very hot, air conditioners, and fans can be used, and people can stay under shade.
“It is desirable to increase water intake to stay well hydrated during hot weather. It is also important to take appropriate vaccinations to prevent diseases like meningitis,” the don said.
Also, a public health practitioner and past President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, Dr Dumebi Owa, urged Nigerians to build their immunity by eating right, adding that several communicable diseases could be prevented with strong immunity and safety practices.
According to her, people at an extreme age are more at risk of diseases that could be triggered by the dry season.
“By extreme age, I mean the very young and very old because it has to do with immunity,” the expert said.
On how to prevent the diseases associated with the dry season, Owa said, “Naturally, we live in a hot environment, so you must hydrate yourself. Over 70 per cent of the human body is made up of water. So, you need to take a lot of water because of the associated sweat during the dry season.
“It is not out of place during the season to wear face masks because of dust. Also, in overcrowded areas, people should practice safety precautions because of these communicable diseases by using face masks and adhering to other safety practices.
“Generally, people should take plenty of water and avoid being dehydrated and they should be cautious of dust. Also, when you eat well, it impacts your internal and physical body. When you eat well, your immunity is up because we are what we eat. Let it be food and fruits nourishing you and not medicine.”
Meanwhile, the Director/National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, said people in meningitis-prone states should get vaccinated and not wait until there is an outbreak.
“Yearly, it must happen and it can happen anytime now once the heat becomes intense. Nigeria is on the meningitis belt and therefore, we must prepare for it.
“We must get the vaccine ready for possible outbreaks and people should also avoid things that trigger the disease like overcrowding. People should avoid overcrowded environments and get vaccinated. That is the first principle of prevention.
“Children, especially those under five should be vaccinated while people should also cultivate the habit of good hygiene practices.” Dr. Anyaike, a consultant public health physician, stated.
Meningitis outbreaks are common during the dry season. People who are less than 15 years of age are more vulnerable to the disease, experts say.
