Ref: CHB/Flash/2006/31                                             Date: November 29, 2006

CHB NEWS FLASH

Hajj is an annual event in which millions of Muslims from around the globe gather in Makkah to perform the pilgrimage. A successful pilgrimage requires careful preparation which is done months in advance for this act of worship. However, one aspect of Hajj is usually given the least importance and that is the PILGRIMS’ HEALTH. A healthy pilgrim will no doubt perform Hajj with full zeal and concentration and the whole process will bring a definitive change in his/her lifestyle. Numerous health problems are encountered during Hajj or even Umrah and Ziyarat for that matter. They can be divided into:

ACQUIRED HEALTH PROBLEMS:

The most common are Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) which commonly start as an acute flu-like illness and progress to infections of the throat and upper respiratory tract and bronchial illness. When not treated early, some cases can even progress to Pneumonia.

Any fever occurring during Hajj should not be taken lightly and doctors should not hesitate in prescribing anti-malarials if they feel the need. It is possible to be infected with malaria parasites just before departure and full blown malaria developing a week or so later due to the incubation period of the disease.

Several other infective conditions may occur during this period and it is important to alert the doctor accompanying the group regarding one’s health conditions.  There are preventive measures which one can take, these will be mentioned below.

Of the non-communicable acquired conditions, trauma/injuries top the list. Numerous injuries have occurred during Hajj, especially during Tawaaf, Saa’y and Jamaraat. For the last couple of years numerous traumatic incidences have occurred particularly STAMPEDES where many people have also been killed. However, the Saudi Arabian government has taken many precautionary measures like increasing the size of the stones at Jamaraat so fewer people can lose aim and hit others during Ramee in Mina.

EXACERBATION OF PRE-EXISTING ILLNESS

Many people who come for Hajj are suffering from Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease and Angina, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease due to smoking etc. Usually they are on medication (unless they have not been diagnosed of the respective disease or are generally not complying with their doctor’s prescription).

However, during the course of Hajj, some important factors leading to sudden flare-up of the so far controlled diseases;

1. Sudden environmental and lifestyle change including climatic change and exposure to dust.
2. Tiredness and stress.
3. Failure to carry medicines for the illness.
4. Failure to take the medication in their correct dosage at the right time.
5. Failure to adhere to the doctor’s dietary advice.

HOW TO PREVENT THE ABOVE?

·         Make sure you are vaccinated against Meningitis ACWY, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever and Cholera. These are required by the Saudi immigration law. (Remember – Vaccinations are not enough to prevent diseases, extra precautions are required).

·         Get fit before Hajj; Stamina building exercises are a great help especially brisk walking if one is not suffering from any heart ailment. Make Hajj a planned iba’dat.

·         Consult your family doctor to make sure you are fit for Hajj i.e. Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose are well controlled.

·         Inform the organizers of the group/caravan about your health/medical condition as they will in-turn communicate to the group doctor

·         Carry all your medication with you and take it as per the required dosage.

·         Avoid heavy meals during the pilgrimage.

·         Do not eat ‘exposed’ foods – This includes foodstuff left exposed, fruits which cannot be peeled, salads and meat on the counters and kiosks.

·         Take plenty of fluids especially water and fresh juices in sealed bottles, avoid cola and caffeinated drinks as much as possible. (Use only bottled mineral water)

·         Have enough sleep prior to and during Hajj as this will refresh the body and relax the mind.

·         This year’s Hajj falls during the winter season, it can be very cold especially at night. Remember to keep warm; there is a risk of catching Pneumonia if exposed. 

·         Avoid strenuous shopping sprees during Hajj as they are very tiring. Remember the purpose of your trip i.e. worshipping The Almighty Allah (SWT).

·         During Hajj if you do not feel well, inform your doctor immediately, do not wait to get seriously ill as it will be difficult and time consuming to treat.

·         Personal hygiene will help to avoid illness, wash hands before eating and before touching food.

All in all, make your Hajj, a planned and purposeful ibadat. Take all health precautions before you travel and be cautious during your trip. Be kind, courteous and helpful to other Hujjaj during Hajj. May Allah (SWT) accept our Hajj and ibadaat. Ameen. 

“Community’s health – CHB’s priority”