‘Don’t ignore that cough’: Health experts urge Nigerians to seek early diagnosis amid rising respiratory cases

Public health experts have raised the alarm over the growing number of Nigerians battling persistent coughs and other respiratory symptoms, warning citizens not to dismiss the condition as a common cold or seasonal flu.

Speaking in an interview with BusinessDay, Prof. Wellington Oyibo, tropical disease specialist, advised Nigerians to take respiratory symptoms seriously and seek medical attention early rather than resorting to self-medication. He noted that while most coughs appear harmless, a lingering or recurrent cough could be a sign of more serious underlying infections that require prompt diagnosis.

“People should not ignore a cough that lasts more than two or three weeks. Persistent coughs could point to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or other respiratory viruses. It is important that Nigerians visit a doctor, get a chest X-ray if necessary, and avoid self-medicating. Early diagnosis can save lives,” he said.

Oyibo stressed that respiratory infections tend to rise during the dry season and periods of poor air quality, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures to reduce transmission. “As people move through crowded areas and public spaces, especially airports and markets, they must wear masks and maintain good hygiene. Simple practices like washing hands with soap and covering the mouth and nose when coughing can significantly limit infection spread,” he added.

He further warned that a combination of factors such as dust, poor ventilation, and air pollution could aggravate existing respiratory illnesses. “The dry season brings a lot of irritants into the air, from dust to pollutants. People with asthma or weak immune systems should avoid exposure to smoke and dusty environments,” he said.

While recent reports have pointed to an increase in respiratory infections in some countries, Oyibo clarified that Nigeria’s current concern may not be about any new or imported virus but about the rising trend of persistent coughs and respiratory distress within communities. “We may not be facing a single outbreak, but we are seeing more people with prolonged coughs and breathing difficulties. These symptoms should not be ignored,” he advised.

He also called attention to Nigeria’s weak public health surveillance, noting that poor awareness and slow response mechanisms make it difficult to track or contain seasonal spikes in respiratory illnesses. “Our public health system needs consistent vigilance. The moment symptoms start appearing in clusters, we should have systems that respond quickly,” he said.

Echoing his view, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist, who spoke separately, lamented Nigeria’s repeated failure to sustain disease monitoring and diagnostic preparedness. According to him, the neglect of laboratories and health facilities developed during the COVID-19 pandemic has left the country vulnerable to recurring respiratory outbreaks.

“We lack sustained preparedness. Each time a health crisis arises, it is as if we are starting all over again. The laboratories that were built and equipped during COVID-19 are now mostly idle or abandoned. Instead of maintaining these facilities, we let them go to waste. When the next outbreak comes, we will start scrambling again,” Tomori said

He warned that Nigeria’s cycle of reactive rather than preventive response undermines public confidence and puts citizens at risk. “We must invest in maintaining our health infrastructure and surveillance systems. That is how countries stay ready for whatever new infections may arise,” Tomori added.

Both experts emphasized that beyond government responsibility, personal hygiene and awareness remain crucial in breaking the chain of respiratory infections.

Oyibo advised Nigerians to be more cautious during the current flu season and avoid complacency now that COVID-19 cases have dropped. “COVID-19 never really disappeared. It simply became one of the many respiratory viruses circulating in the population. That is why coughing and breathing issues must be taken seriously. The public should not assume it is ‘just catarrh’ or harmattan. Get checked early,” he said.

He also advised Nigerians to eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and prioritize rest as part of maintaining strong immunity. “A healthy body fights infections better. When you eat well, rest adequately, and keep your environment clean, you reduce your risk,” he said.

In Lagos, several residents have reported a spike in cases of prolonged coughing and cold-like symptoms in recent weeks. While no official data has confirmed an outbreak, the trend has stirred anxiety, particularly among families with children and elderly members.

Oyibo said public health authorities, should use this period to reinforce community health education and reintroduce awareness campaigns on hygiene and respiratory care. Such campaigns, he noted, would help citizens distinguish between minor seasonal infections and potentially dangerous conditions.

“The message is simple. Don’t ignore that cough. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to breathe or coughing blood. Seek medical help early. Prevention is always better than cure,” Oyibo said.

As the dry season sets in, the experts’ warnings serve as a timely reminder for Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their health, through vigilance, hygiene, and prompt medical consultation, while urging authorities to sustain public health monitoring and maintain diagnostic infrastructure across the country.

Key preventive tips from experts include:

* Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

* Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

* Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and air pollutants.

* Eat balanced meals to boost immunity.

* Seek medical attention for coughs lasting longer than two weeks.