As the hazy weather persists, a medical professional has advised Nigerians on the importance of always putting on their face masks as a means of curbing the possibility of respiratory infections.
In a chat with DAILY POST, Dr. Emeka Azubuike, stated that in recent days, the need to use face masks has increased due to the haze experienced in some states of the country, including Osun.
According to him, the breeze blows dust particles which when gets into the respiratory canal may cause irritations and infections.
These irritations he revealed may develop into opportunistic infections which may in extreme cases require hospitalisation.
According to him, “You may notice that the weather seems a bit cloudy and dusty. Don’t be deceived, it is not cloud but dust.
“It will seem as if you feel dry throat, painful and dry nose, eye and throat irritation. That is a normal body reaction. My advise is that people should always go about wearing their face masks since we are already used to it.
“Nigeria is not the only country experiencing this phenomenon. Some countries are experiencing far worse situations. What they do is to use face masks.
“Some years ago, people would use petroleum jelly to lubricate the lining of their nose to prevent dryness but it is not advisable again.
“We should always put on our face masks at least until the haze subsides.”
While advising against activities that will cause pollution by dust, the physician added that there is a scientific explanation to the unusual hazy weather.
He advised mothers to do all it takes to protect their babies and not to expose them to the haze, adding that they should limit the way they take their babies outside.
“Don’t take your babies outside in this haze except when it is very important and when you do, ensure they are properly covered as this offers some level of protection for the baby.
“Mothers whose children are of school age should ensure they go out with their face masks on. They should be told to put it on always especially when they are in the open.”
DAILY POST reports that haze is being experienced in some states of the country including Osun, a condition which many residents of Osogbo attribute to the change in weather pattern from harmattan to rainy season.
