PHCC issues health and safety tips for Hajj pilgrims
If you are planning to go to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj this year, then you should keep these points, issued by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in mind.
“There’re factors that increase the risk of respiratory infectious diseases during the pilgrimage. With congestion and the large number of visitors from different parts of the world, transmission of infectious respiratory diseases is likely to increase, particularly flu, pneumococcal and acute meningitis,” Dr Fahad Shaikhan, community medicine specialist, told Qatar Tribune.
He urged pilgrims to take preventive medical measures — including visiting doctors and getting vaccinated — at least 10 days before pilgrimage.
He also advised pilgrims to stay away from poorly ventilated places as good ventilation reduces the concentration of microbes in the inhaled air and thus reduce the likelihood of infection.
The community medicine specialist also urged pilgrims who have any symptoms of flu such as high fever or cough to consult the doctors' team for the Hajj campaign.
"We advise pilgrims infected with flu and the common cold to use nose mask because this may reduce the chances of transfer of the infection to other pilgrims. We also recommend hand washing with soap and water or other disinfectants, especially after coughing or sneezing," he said.
He stressed the importance of taking sufficient quantity of medicines, especially if the pilgrim is suffering from a disease that requires taking medication on a continuous basis, such as in the cases of heart and breathing problem, high blood pressure, kidney disease, asthma, allergies and diabetes.
Pilgrims should travel with detailed health reports which shows the disease, medicines and doses as this will help to understand diagnose and treat his case when the need arises.
