NAN-HG-9
Harmattan
Gusau, Jan. 5, 2017 (NAN) Dr Kehinde Ologunde, a medical doctor at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Zamfara on Thursday urged the general public to take preventative measures against infections during the harmattan.
Ologunde gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau.
According to him, due to the haze and dry winds associated with the season, people should cover themselves with appropriate clothing, as well as stay indoors, if they have nothing important to do outside.
“I urge everybody to take precautions during the harmattan, especially, the aged, children, people that are asthmatic, as well as sickle cell patients.
“This is to prevent cold, sore throat, runny nose, pneumonia, general infections and other complications that could spread or be contacted through the air or wind.
“Children, old people and asthmatic people should be kept warm with thick clothing.
“Homes and environments should be kept clean at all times and there should be cross ventilation at home and the work place.
“This is to avoid moulds and other fungi that can cause allergy in children and adults,’’ he said.
The doctor advised pregnant women to also wear thick clothing during the cold and dusty season, to protect themselves and the unborn babies from developing respiratory problems.
He also said that people should wear face masks, to cover their nostrils and mouths whenever the atmosphere was very dusty. (NAN)
MOB/ABA/VIV/PIO
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(Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Idonije Obakhedo)