Dr Segun Adeoye, a public health specialist, has advised Nigerians to adopt healthy habits to stay warm and avoid illness as cold weather continues across parts of the country.
In an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, Adeoye warned that exposure to intense cold could lead to pneumonia, influenza, respiratory infections, and aggravate conditions like asthma and arthritis.
He explained that the ongoing spell of chilly mornings and evenings was due to seasonal weather changes bringing damp and windy conditions.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently warned of lower-than-normal temperatures, especially at night and in the early morning, possibly lasting into September.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk.
To stay protected, Adeoye recommended: Dressing in layers of breathable, warm clothing, Using thick blankets, insulated bedding, and proper home insulation and light physical activity like exercise or dancing generating body heat.
Speaking in the interview with NAN, he also advised drinking hot beverages like tea or cocoa, eating nourishing hot meals like soups, stews, and porridge, taking warm baths and using heating devices where available.
Adeoye also cautioned against prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions and urged the use of scarves, hats, gloves, and thick socks when outdoors.
“Prevention remains the best protection,” he said, adding that many Nigerians underestimate the health risks of cold weather. Adeoye called on parents to ensure children were properly dressed during the day and kept warm at night.