•Harmattan
In West Africa, the Harmattan season is marked by dry, dusty winds and sudden temperature changes.
These harsh conditions can trigger various health issues, including respiratory problems, dry skin, and dehydration, affecting people in different ways, reports Vanguard.
Each day of the harmattan season begins with cooler mornings, hot afternoons, and some relief from the tropical heat in the evenings.
Understanding this season and common health issues associated with it and taking proactive measures can help you stay healthy during this season.
Here are 5 health problems rampant during harmattan season and how to protect yourself.
1. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia are very common during this season due to dust particles that travel with the harmattan’s dusty air. This dusty air worsens respiratory conditions and irritates the respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
To protect yourself from this infection, ensure you wear face masks when you are outdoors to reduce dust exposure, keep windows closed to minimise indoor dust accumulation, use humidifiers to maintain air moisture levels, and stay hydrated to keep mucous membranes healthy.
2. Cold and Flu
Another health problem rampant during the harmattan season is the sudden temperature drop during this season and weakened immune system. This increases susceptibility to colds and the flu, characterised by sneezing, fever, and body aches.
To protect yourself from colds and the flu during this period, dress warmly, especially in the mornings and evenings; wash your hands frequently to reduce germ spread; and eat immunity-boosting foods such as fruits and vegetables.
3. Dry Skin and Cracked Lips
The harmattan season comes with infections to the skin, such as dryness, flakiness, and cracked lips, which are caused by low humidity that depletes skin moisture.
To protect yourself from these infections, always apply moisturising creams and lip balm regularly, avoid hot showers, as they strip the skin of natural oils, and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Eye Irritation
Dust during harmattan irritates the eyes, causing redness, itching, watering, and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is more prevalent during this season.
To protect yourself from these infections, it is important to wear protective sunglasses or goggles outdoors, use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
5. Sickle Cell Crisis
The harmattan period is a critical moment for people with sickle cell anaemia due to dehydration and exposure to cold weather, leading to severe pain and complications.
To protect people with sickle cell anaemia from a crisis during this period, dress warmly to prevent exposure to cold, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, follow prescribed medications, and attend regular medical check-ups.
