The Harmattan wind is in full swing with its accompanying particulate matters. We are in the period of the year when flu becomes a dozen for a dime and respiratory diseases become the order of the day both in homes and hospitals. For those that may be wondering what the Harmattan is, according to Britannica:
harmattan, cool dry wind that blows from the northeast or east in the western Sahara and is strongest in late fall and winter (late November to mid-March). It usually carries large amounts of dust, which it transports hundreds of kilometres out over the Atlantic Ocean; the dust often interferes with aircraft operations and settles on the decks of ships. source
In other words, if you are not currently within the West Africa region, you may not be affected. What makes this period of the year usually more threatening, apart from the cold, is the dust and particulate matter the wind usually comes with. Talking about cold, temperatures may generally not fall below 18 degrees Centigrade, which is like normal everyday temperature in some places, I know. Nevertheless, it is still a cold temperature for some of us that are used to 27 to 32 degrees Centigrade for the most part of the year.
The harmattan wind also comes in the dry season when the level of humidity in the atmosphere is very low. This combination of cold temperature, low humidity, and particulate matter in the atmosphere has a lot of implications in terms of the health of the populace as well as some other activities.
One major effect of this wind is the proliferation of respiratory diseases. While the entire world seems to be settling with the reality that covid19 has come to stay (endemic), the virus is just one of the diseases that seem to flourish in a period like this. Especially when you consider that people will be returning back to the country from all over the world, including China who's currently struggling to contain the virus after its zero-covid policy backfired.
A lot of microbes or their propagules form parts of the particulate matter that constitute the outdoor air in this period. In addition to health issues, particulate matters reduce visibility outdoors. Thus, if you are driving during this period, you will need to be extra careful. Here are some tips to get you through the harmattan period if you live within the West African region where the effects of the harmattan wind are prominent.
Stay indoors as much as possible
This period is characterized by festivities, I know. Thus, staying indoors may not be an option as far as many people are concerned. However, for the purpose of good health, staying indoors as much as possible will limit one's exposure to the particles outdoor and limit the chances of contracting some of these respiratory illnesses flying around.
Consider using a mask when outdoor
Many of us may not like wearing nose masks ordinarily. Many were compelled by circumstances to use it when covid19 virus was on a rampage. However, since things seem to be returning to normal now, many of us have jettisoned masks as they offer some levels of discomfort. While debates and disagreement still exist that mask usage limits the spread of covid19, wearing it against particulate matter and other air-borne pathogens have been proven to be effective to a large extent. The level of protection offered by nose masks varies depending on the type of mask. For the records, N95 masks are still somewhere at the top even when it comes to filtering off particulate matters.
Stay hydrated and get moisturized
Staying hydrated always works. Low atmospheric humidity means that your body system will be losing water to the surroundings, especially when outdoors. Your skin will feel and appear dry every now and then and your throat will feel like sticking together. Adequate hydration will not only help ease the feelings but also help the body to fight off infections. If you have the capacity to get a humidifier, by all means, get one. If you are not used to using skin moisturizer, now is perhaps the time to learn. Try and endure for a couple of weeks or months that the harmattan will last.
Use protective glasses outdoor
This is even more pertinent if you will be driving. Using protective glasses will guard your eyes against particulate matter. In actual fact, it is preferable to roll up the car windows and switch on the humidifier if your car has one.
Eat healthily
Because of the associated cold, I prefer to eat something hot in the morning. It is either I make hot tea or pap first thing in the morning before considering something else to eat. This will drive off the early morning cold that one feels first thing in the morning during this period. As a rule of thumb, bathing with warm water, if you must bathe at all, will also go a long way.
Above all, let us try and stay safe during this period. If we have aged folks in our family, let's try as much as possible to take care of them and keep them warm.
You all should have a pleasant festivities.
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One of the major reasons why I actually to some extent dislike the harmattan period is (you might not notice it) that we tend to sleep more and the last thing my life needs right now is hugging my bed and oversleeping. There is absolutely a scientific explanation for this which is basically due to an increase in the amount of melatonin secreted by the pineal gland which comes with cold weathers.
I agree that we sleep more during harmattan. In fact, the reluctance to stand up after waking up is always very strong. Unless you are determined, you can't resist getting that extra hour of sleep in this weather.
Lol...for me my best period is cold season i hate heat seriously especially wen it comes to sleeping at night, one will find it difficult to sleep comfortable at night, during cold season there are few mosquitoes 🦟 sometimes I wish for the cold season to last longer than the usual. 😆