Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
AS winter bids us a frosty farewell and the sun starts flexing its summer muscles, Bulawayo is experiencing that tricky weather phase where it’s cold in the morning, blazing hot by noon and chilly again by sunset. It’s the kind of weather that confuses not only your wardrobe but your immune system too.
Doctors and traditional healers alike are warning residents to tread carefully as the seasons switch up, bringing along a mixed bag of health challenges that can easily knock you out if you’re not vigilant.
Dr Themba Dhlamini, a local general practitioner, says this is peak season for flu, asthma flare-ups, sinusitis and other respiratory complications. Most people ignore mild sniffles, but these can quickly escalate into serious infections because the body is struggling to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, he told B-Metro.
Children and the elderly are most vulnerable during this transition, often catching colds or developing pneumonia due to exposure to cold mornings and dust stirred up by early summer winds. The problem is people dress lightly because it gets hot during the day, but that morning chill is unforgiving. Layered dressing is key, Dr Dhlamini advises.
As the dry spell continues before the rains arrive, the increase in dust and pollen becomes a nightmare for asthma sufferers and people with allergies. That innocent afternoon stroll can lead to itchy eyes, blocked noses and wheezing chests.
Fortunately, help is both in your kitchen and at the pharmacy. Traditionalist MaMoyo from Cowdray Park recommends steaming with zumbani, eucalyptus leaves, garlic and lemon to clear nasal passages and soothe sore throats. Boil it all together and cover yourself with a blanket while inhaling. It flushes out the cold and opens up your chest, she said.
She also swears by ginger tea with honey and turmeric. It keeps the flu at bay and warms the body inside out. Meanwhile, pharmacies are reporting an uptick in demand for immune boosters, vitamin C, antihistamines and flu meds. People are stocking up on Disprin, Actifed and multivitamins. It’s smart to prepare in advance, said a pharmacist in the CBD.
Besides meds and home brews, lifestyle adjustments can also give your immune system an edge. Nutritionist Amanda Sibanda recommends increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C like oranges, guavas, tomatoes and leafy greens. This is the time to ditch heavy starches and greasy takeaways and eat light, immune-boosting foods, she said.
Hydration is also crucial. Start drinking more water now, don’t wait for the heatwave, she said. Also, get moving. People tend to hibernate during winter, but now is the time to get active again. Even a 30-minute walk boosts your immunity, Amanda added.
So before you stash away the blankets and pack out the shorts and shades, remember the transition between seasons is not just about fashion. It’s a battle for your health and how you play it can determine whether you’re enjoying the early summer breeze or stuck coughing your lungs out.
