Living in a hot region like Nigeria, you can’t avoid the sweltering temperatures, dusty winds, and stuffy environment.
When the hot and dry seasons arrive, it’s as if nature turns up the heat and dries out everything, even our sinuses. During these times, the air becomes dusty and full of various particles floating around, creating an ideal environment for airborne infections to grow.
As the temperature rises and the humidity falls, people tend to spend more time indoors, with windows closed and air conditioning on. This provides a pleasant atmosphere in which bacteria can hang out and spread like crazy.
Furthermore, dust and particles in the air might irritate our respiratory systems, increasing our susceptibility to diseases. This article discusses a few airborne infections that you should avoid during dry seasons like this.
Factors Contributing to Increased Risk
Lower humidity: When the air is dry, such as during the hot season, viruses and bacteria can survive longer because there is less moisture to hold them down. It’s as if they’re floating through the air, waiting for someone to breathe them in.
Increased dust: During dry weather, dust irritates our lungs and transports allergens and pathogens.
Increased outside activity: With the sun beaming and the weather appealing, people tend to spend more time outside during the hot months. However, spending more time outdoors exposes you to whatever is in the air, whether it’s pollen, pollution, or problematic diseases hunting for a new host.
Airborne Diseases During Hot Season
During hot and dry seasons in Lagos, several airborne diseases become more prevalent.
Influenza (Flu): This contagious respiratory illness causes fever, cough, and sore throat and spreads readily from person to person.
Common Cold: The common cold, which causes symptoms including a runny nose and congestion, is another viral infection that is prevalent throughout these seasons.
Meningitis: Meningitis is a serious infection that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It requires immediate medical attention to avoid grave complications.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever: This illness is triggered by dust and pollen and causes symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion.
Asthma exacerbation: Dry air and allergens can aggravate asthma symptoms, requiring cautious management during hot, dry weather to avoid flare-ups.
Preventive Measures To Consider
Aside from trying to stay cool throughout the hot and dry seasons, you should also consider protecting yourself from certain diseases. You can use preventive measures to assist you stay safe.
- Frequent handwashing
- Maintain proper respiratory hygiene.
- Staying hydrated.
- Use air purifiers (optional)
- Mask wearing (optional)
