With around 2.5 million Muslims from around the globe (including the UAE) expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, local medical experts are reminding people to take health precautions.
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has encouraged pilgrims to take mandatory vaccines at least 15 days before leaving the country.
Likewise, pilgrims are reminded to obtain valid international certificate of vaccination before embarking on the journey.
Figures show that more than 6,200 Muslims had performed Hajj from the UAE in 2018, which is notably higher than the 4,600 pilgrims in 2017.
“The pilgrims are also advised to take the flu vaccine especially for people over 65 years old, children under 12 years old, pregnant women, people with cancer or terminal illnesses, people with chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease,” says Dr Dilshaad Ali, CEO of healthcare provider Avivo Group.
“The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for immunocompromised patients, the elderly and those with chronic diseases.”
Here are additional health tips for pilgrims to keep in mind…
Bring your records and meds: Make sure to carry with you your medical records and medicines to be safe.
Avoid germs: Respiratory infections can easily be passed around especially in crowded places. Bring a facemask to help safeguard you against bacteria and respiratory tract infections.
Fight heat exhaustion. August is a scorching month in Saudi and the region.
The brutal climate can lead to heat exhaustion, which manifests through fatigue, nausea, cramps, headaches and sweating profusely.
To combat this, pilgrims are advised to drink water frequently. Always know where the nearest MOH health stations are for pilgrims.
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