Have you taken the steps for a safe Haj?

Dubai - Experts at the session discussed health tips regarding vaccinations, prevention of heat strokes, ways to avoid food-poisoning and health precautions for a safe Haj.

As many Muslims around the world gear up to embark upon the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, the most important step for them would be to get vaccinated. "Ideally, the vaccines should be taken four to six weeks prior to travelling or at least 10 days prior to the date of travel," said Dr Sawsan Al Nahas, specialist registrar at the Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) Traveller's Clinic, during a smart clinic session. Important information was disseminated during the two-hour live clinic via DHA's Twitter page (@DHA_Dubai) and Instagram account (DHA_Dubai) and through periscope.
Experts at the session discussed health tips regarding vaccinations, prevention of heat strokes, ways to avoid food-poisoning and health precautions for a safe Haj.
Mandatory vaccines
Dr Al Nahas added that the meningococcal vaccine is mandatory, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone undertaking the pilgrimage and the pneumonia vaccine is highly recommended for immmo-comprised patients, the elderly and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, etc. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for people from some countries in Africa and South America and the polio vaccine is mandatory for people from Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and a few other countries.
Dr Al Nahas said that because of the risk of certain respiratory diseases, it is recommended that the following groups should postpone their plans for Haj and Umrah this year: People over 65 years, children under 12 years, pregnant women, people with cancer or terminal illnesses, people with chronic diseases (such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease).
Get full checkup done
Dr Al Nahas advised Haj pilgrims to get a comprehensive check-up done before they travel. "All pilgrims with chronic diseases should understand their care plan from their physician before they embark on their pilgrimage. They should also carry their prescription and a detailed report of the medical diagnosis and history and keep it with them at all times. Pilgrims should carry enough stock of their medications, especially if they suffer from a chronic disease that requires them to take medications regularly."
Dr Leqaa Mohammed Al Maftool, family medicine consultant at the DHA, said that people with diabetes may also be at an increased risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). "Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently during Haj to avoid hypoglycemia. "They should always carry some type of sugar source to treat hypoglycemic episodes. They also need to ensure they take their medications on time to avoid high blood sugar. Proper storage of medicines is essential especially in the case of insulin which needs to be stored at a low temperature."
Stay hydrated
Other basic precautions such as drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated, consuming foods rich in vitamin C, regular hand washing, and use of hand sanitizers is essential for all pilgrims.
Dr Al Nahas said: "Pilgrims should avoid kissing and hugging when greeting others, they should not share their prayer mat, they should not touch their eyes, nose or mouth without washing hands and they should avoid direct sunlight for long hours. Avoid Tawaf, Sa'i, Arafat and Mina during high temperatures or ensure that you are well protected against the sunrays and are well hydrated."
Dr Fatima Al Marzouqi specialist registrar, primary healthcare sector at the DHA, said that is important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion.
"If one experiences high body temperature, nausea, fatigue, cramps, thirst, headaches or excessive sweating, it's important to move away from a sunny place, cool the body with cold water and head to the nearest medical facility or contact your doctor immediately."
Al Marzouqi said: "People who want to shave or cut their hair during the pilgrimage should follow certain precautions to avoid transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. They should ensure that the barber is licensed and that he uses a single use razor and disposes the blade immediately. Never share shaving equipment with others and do not walk barefoot to ensure no used needle or razor pricks your leg."
The DHA panelists advocated that it is important to rest after Haj and drink lots of fluids to help the body recover.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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