Winter is Here !!!
This isnt about the popular TV series Game of Thrones series as the Tittle might be misleading.
Winter in this part of the world is called the "Harmattan", and with it, it brings lots of health issues which can be very disturbing
Harmattan in Nigeria is when the northern wind blows southward, Wind from the Sahara dessert carrying dust and sand particles and a feel of cold with it and devastating heat (not forgetting the global warming the earth is currently facing)
Harmattan in Nigeria has become so abnormal, this period of the year is now hard to survive in
The Harmattan Dilemma
- The Heat Burn
During this period, the temperature of the day increase so much that I could fry an egg on the floor outside (lol ,in a frying pan of course and adding oil). I could also boil water to 100°C if I placed a kettle outside on the floor. Sleeping under the fan or Air conditioner doesn't even work anymore. The heat is so much that I had to sleep outside sometimes while in school even that also sometimes carries a risk of getting cold. I even lost my phone (stolen) in one of those times. Harmattan heat is quite quite quite much here.
- The Catarrh and Cough
Blocked Nose, sore throat all are illness that come with harmattan. Due to Harmattan being windy, carrying of dust occurs a lot. Which leads to catarrh and cough. During this period, you won't get your normal settings cause your blocked nose and sore/coarse throat would make life difficult. Not only would it make life difficult for you, it would also make life difficult for people around you, as most people won't wanna associate with you in order to prevent also getting sick.
- Headaches and Sweats
Well, I have headache already and we arent yet in prime Harmattan. I have exams and I have to manage my body during this Harmattan to avoid getting sick. You would sweat a lot in this period and you could easily come down with headache. Why ?? the heat in this period is terrible and irritating to bear. You just have to be bear with the irritable weather conditions.
How to survive during this period
- Clothing
During the hot dry day, wear clothing's that are light in texture and Avoid Wearing Dark or Black clothes during this period (For the Science students, you should know more)**
At night, Wear tight fittings if you would sleep outside and wear a blanket or a mosquito blanket (LOL), but when you sleep inside and you feel hot, try to undress yourself.
- Health Wise
Always wash your hand with soap and water to avoid getting sick. Drink lots of fluids during this period.
- Miscellaneous
Take an handkerchief around during the day to clean off sweat and take a cardigan during the night if you would sleep outside or go out night invade its windy.
To everyone who doesn't like this weather, bear with it.
Its gonna be a long Winter(Harmattan)