Life is made up of seasons and this, we can take a cue from climatic seasons. Some seasons are favourable to some persons but they mean a pain in the ass for others. all climatic seasons come with their pros and cons. In Nigeria, we predominantly have the wet, dry and harmattan seasons. All these seasons are necessary for the functioning of the ecological system. We are presently in the wet season and it means differently to me.
The wet season in Nigeria is a period marked by heavy rains, lush greenery, and the rejuvenation of nature. Typically spanning from April to October, this season brings a refreshing break from the intense heat of the dry season. It is usually heavy and last for several hours of the day especially between July and September. This could be due to our location on the coast of the Atlantic ocean.
In this part of the world, many people stay indoors during the wet season and work can be challenging. Sometimes, due to few sun hours, you may have to sun-dry your clothes for many days before they are useable. However, while the rains can be a welcome relief, they also come with their unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.
The Hygiene Challenges of the Wet Season
The wet season, characterized by consistent downpours, often results in muddy streets, flooded roads, and an increase in humidity. These conditions create a breeding ground for various health concerns. Stagnant water becomes a haven for mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Additionally, the increase in humidity and moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, posing respiratory challenges.
The persistent rain means that footwear and clothing are constantly exposed to moisture and dirt. It becomes essential to regularly clean and dry shoes to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungus. Investing in waterproof footwear and ensuring clothes are thoroughly dried before storage helps mitigate these issues. Using antiseptic detergents for laundry also ensures that any potential pathogens are eliminated. This is a challnege that must be handled if you must be hygienically happy.
The increased humidity and dampness during the wet season can lead to skin irritations and fungal infections. Daily showers, thorough drying of the body, especially between the toes and other crevices, become crucial. In this case, warm water is advisable. Using antifungal powders after the bath and maintaining a clean and dry environment helps prevent skin issues.
The wet season makes a case for food and water safety. This is necessary because the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever rises during the wet season. Ensuring that drinking water is boiled or filtered and that food is properly cooked and stored is vital. Washing fruits and vegetables with clean water and maintaining a clean kitchen environment helps prevent contamination.
With stagnant water around, mosquito breeding becomes a significant concern during the wet season. This calls for control measures. Using mosquito nets, applying insect repellent, and ensuring that there is no standing water around the home are effective measures to control the mosquito population. Regularly cleaning gutters and using mosquito coils or electronic repellents also helps in maintaining a mosquito-free environment.
The wet season can cause waste to accumulate and decompose quickly, leading to silting of drains and unpleasant odours and potential health hazards. Proper waste disposal and ensuring that garbage is covered and disposed of regularly are critical. Participating in community clean-up activities can also help maintain a cleaner environment.
The wet season in my context, Nigeria, brings the much-needed relief and beauty to the vegetation, but requires a proactive approach to hygiene. This routine hygie checks would last as long as the rain stays if we must live healthy.
This is my entry for the August INLEO writing prompt, Day 2.