Harmattan, defined as a dry, dusty easterly or north-easterly wind on the West African coast, occurring from December to February, is here! And the dry, cold, and dusty weather can make you sick.

 

 

Particularly at that time of year, you should increase water intake because it helps your body stay hydrated. Dehydration is more likely during harmattan because of the excessive dryness of the air. Therefore, take a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. This helps facilitate the movement of mucus. Also, hot coffee will help you stay warm during this season.

 

 

Normally, fruits and veggies are good for your body. But particularly during the harmattan season, it helps your body fight infections. It contains vitamins and minerals that can immunize your body flu, cough, and the common cold. Additionally, it also helps your body stay hydrated.

 

 

This mixture is highly recommended during the harmattan season. The season comes with a lot of throat issues. So honey and lemon mixed in warm water help your throat stay moisturized. And if there Is irritation it can help soothe it. Naturally, honey is a reliever for cold and cough.

 

 

This is a given. Nobody in their right mind will expose themselves in the harmattan season. But there Is a difference between covering up and covering up properly. In a bid to look fashionable some people ditch thick clothes in favour of chic designs. You can look nice too in thick clothing, and stay healthy more importantly. Cover your head, either with a head warmer, a hood or a headline.

Also, when you are indoors, keep your feet inside thick socks. And when you are going outdoor wear your shoes and gloves. This is particularly for people in Plateau, where the cold attacks the hands and feet. The trick is to generally minimize exposure.Avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have allergies

 

 

he harmattan brings with it a lot of skin problems like cracked lips and peeling palms. You have to go out of your way to protect your skin. A lot of creams do not have enough moisture in them, so they cannot adequately moisturize your skin. So it is recommended that you add your preferred oil product to your cream. There are many oil products like coconut and olive oil. Make sure every area of your skin gets enough cream and oil to keep it moisturized.

 

 

Your home and its surroundings should be made as clean and as dust-free as possible. Doors and windows should always be shut to avoid letting in dust and harmful bugs. Inflammable objects like petrol, gas, wood and alcohol should also be put away and preventive measures taken to avoid fire outbreaks as this season makes it easy for intense fire accidents.

Also avoid burning refuse and bushes this period. The fire could become uncontrollable and result in the loss of lives and valuable properties.

Stay indoors to avoid dust inhalation of harmful particles coming with the wind.Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or towel when it is dusty.

 

 

To avoid red eyes which is common in during harmattan

Come to the clinic if you have red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Get medical help if you have running, itchy, sneezing, and stuffy nose

 

 

Asthmatic patients should always keep the inhaler handy and avoid dust as much as possible. This dry cold dusty season triggers sickle cell disease (SCD) as well. Patients should drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.