SUPER EL NIÑO: NIGERIA MAY FACE A DEADLY HEAT THREAT — AND PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES MUST PAY ATTENTION! What if I told you that the heat you are complaining about may be more than just discomfort? The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the El Niño developing in 2026 could become exceptionally strong, potentially one of the strongest on record. Its effects are expected to influence global temperatures and rainfall patterns into 2027. And Nigeria has reasons to pay attention. 🇳🇬 A report published by TheCable on October 22, citing projections from the Climate Impact Lab, says Nigeria could experience an estimated 31,400 additional heat-related deaths over the next six months. This is a projection, NOT a confirmed death toll or a guarantee that these deaths will occur. But it highlights how serious extreme heat could become. WHO IS MOST AT RISK? As a pharmacist, these are the groups I want us to pay particular attention to: 🔴 1. People living with hypertension and heart disease Extreme heat forces the heart to work harder to cool the body. Dehydration can also affect blood pressure and circulation. For someone with heart failure, coronary artery disease or other serious heart conditions, this additional stress can trigger dangerous complications. 🔴 2. People living with diabetes High temperatures and dehydration can make blood glucose harder to manage. Severe dehydration can contribute to acute kidney injury, while heat illness can rapidly become dangerous, especially when diabetes is poorly controlled. 🔴 3. People with kidney disease Your kidneys help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Excessive sweating and inadequate fluid replacement can worsen dehydration and potentially cause acute kidney injury. People with advanced kidney disease must follow their clinician’s fluid advice rather than forcing themselves to drink excessive amounts of water. 🔴 4. People with asthma and other respiratory diseases Hot weather, air pollution and certain environmental conditions can worsen breathing difficulties in susceptible people. Anyone whose breathing suddenly deteriorates needs urgent medical assessment. 🔴 5. Older adults, infants and people taking certain medications These groups may have more difficulty regulating body temperature or recognising dehydration. Some medicines, including certain diuretics and other drugs that affect fluid balance, sweating or temperature regulation, can increase heat-related risks. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS: EXTREME HEAT CAN KILL. Heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. In vulnerable people, severe heat exposure can also worsen existing illnesses and contribute to life-threatening complications. These risks are recognised by the World Health Organization. WHAT SHOULD NIGERIANS DO NOW? ✅ Drink water regularly, unless your healthcare professional has prescribed a fluid restriction. ✅ Reduce strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. ✅ Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and stay in a cool, shaded or well-ventilated environment. ✅ Monitor your blood pressure and blood glucose as advised by your healthcare professional. ✅ Do not stop or change your prescribed medication simply because the weather is hot. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to review your medicines if you are concerned. ✅ Check on elderly relatives, people living alone and those with chronic diseases. ⚠️ WARNING SIGNS YOU MUST NEVER IGNORE: confusion, collapse, fainting, seizures or unusually hot skin with altered consciousness. These may indicate heatstroke. Seek emergency medical help immediately and begin cooling the person while help is on the way. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious. MY MESSAGE TO EVERY NIGERIAN: Please, do not wait until you or someone you love collapses before taking heat safety seriously. #superelniño #fypシ゚viral #creatorsearchinsights #elderly #heatwaves - @pharm..pelumi.abi