Heatwave: Drink water, stay hydrated, medical expert advises

 

By Joel Onuoha

Dr Richard Nnabu, Medical Director, Ebonyi State Government House Clinic has advised the general public on the need to drink water and be hydrated as they experienced heat wave.


Nnabu,  a Public Health Physician told t
Journalists on Wednesday in Abakaliki that it was advisable to drink at least three litres of water a day. 


The MD explained that heat wave is a period of time of abnormally hot weather like the one currently experiencing in Ebonyi and across the country. 


"Climate change is a public health risk.Yes, it is usually hot particularly in this period of the year, especially in the sahara African sub-region.


"My advice is once you feel discomfort from the heat, take frequent showers and wear light (colour and weight) cloths.


"Try to keep your water filler/bottle close at all times, especially when you are going out, so that you are always hydrated in the heat period.


"Stay in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned space. Don’t lock yourself up in a room with heat. When you are indoor, leave your windows open. 


"Too much heat can cause meningitis. This disease is an inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.


"Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected.


"The heat is quite unbearable, especially over the night. Apart from meningitis, there are other viral disease associated with the period, including lasser fever, cough among others," the Director stated. 

It recalls that Ebonyi and other parts of the country have been in the grip of an intense heatwave since January 2021.