
LONDON: A British Muslim physician on Thursday shared his tried and examined ideas with pilgrims who’re about to take part within the first post-pandemic Hajj open to foreigners, which incorporates getting ready for the extreme summer season warmth, and carrying necessary medicines.
Dr. Imran Zia, medical director for emergency medication at Barts Well being NHS Belief, has accompanied British teams on Hajj as each a medical knowledgeable and a information at the least 15 occasions.
Throughout a webinar hosted by the Council of British Hajjis, the veteran well being employee defined how pilgrims ought to put together for summer season temperatures of over 40 levels Celsius.
“Umbrellas are very helpful, particularly within the warmth and the temperature in the mean time is prone to be between 40 and 45 levels. We aren’t used to such excessive temperatures within the UK and I might encourage you to put on gentle colours and use sunscreen. Keep away from going out within the afternoon if you happen to can,” Zia mentioned.
Because the Hajj entails plenty of strolling between the holy websites within the scorching warmth, Zia suggested pilgrims to break-in the footwear they plan to make use of.
“Please stroll within the sandals that you will take with you. Yearly we see folks shopping for a brand new pair of sandals, taking them to Saudi Arabia, after which getting blisters. You should put on in these sandals now.
“If you happen to really feel that the soles of your toes are going to present you issues, then I’d encourage you to purchase good high quality insoles, and glue them to the within of your sandal. You’ll discover that that provides you with an immense quantity of aid. It’s such as you’re strolling on air.
“If you happen to’re diabetic, I might discourage you from taking flip-flops as they encourage infections, pores and skin breakages, sweatiness, and can seemingly provide you with issues. So it’s higher to get sandals with straps that you would be able to safe,” the medical skilled mentioned.
Zia additionally addressed the infamous Hajj cough that many pilgrims get because of the dry and dusty setting and the truth that folks from everywhere in the world have gathered in a single place.
“With the Hajj cough, which sadly many individuals get, the onset is fairly speedy. It comes on very abruptly and your temperature will go up and down. You’ll have a pronounced headache and it’s actually fairly extreme. Having a sore throat is quite common. It’s a dry cough and also you’ll really feel actually achy, such as you’ve been hit by a bus,” Zia mentioned.
“Sadly, there isn’t any medicinal pill I can suggest that you just take apart from utilizing easy measures comparable to paracetamol to maintain the temperature down, lozenges to assist with the sore throat, gargling with saltwater, and having a relaxation.”
He mentioned the easiest way to forestall getting the Hajj cough is to put on a face masks, maintain one’s mouth lined, and observe good hygiene.
“If you happen to see somebody coughing, maintain your distance,” the physician mentioned.
He additionally highlighted the significance of pilgrims taking a ample quantity of drugs for many who have present well being situations.
“Take loads of treatment. One factor I’ll say about treatment is that it is best to take it in your hand baggage. Additionally pack some in your maintain baggage. And if it’s actually necessary treatment that you do not need to get misplaced, pack it with the one that’s accompanying you as nicely, with a overlaying letter,” Zia mentioned.
“Some drugs, particularly for most cancers or diabetes are simply not accessible. Take a repeat prescription with you in order that if you happen to do develop into in poor health, folks know what treatment you’re on. You probably have a critical situation, I’ll at all times encourage you to take the identify of your hospital advisor, the hospital advisor’s contact quantity or the secretary of their division, and your hospital quantity with you.”
He additionally suggested individuals who often put on contact lenses to keep away from doing so throughout the pilgrimage and to pack a spare pair of spectacles.
“I might encourage all of you to keep away from contact lenses, if potential. It’s seemingly that you just’re going to be awake for a lot of hours within the dusty environments and undergo from lack of sleep. The very last thing you need to do is to get an eye fixed an infection. And take a spare pair of spectacles,” Zia mentioned.
Lastly, the physician shared his golden listing of “Ps”:
Prescription listing, of all prescribed treatment
Affected person particulars with contact numbers, particularly in case you have an ongoing drawback
Paracetamol will assist cut back a temperature
Plasters for blisters
Petroleum jelly (unscented) will ease chafing between the legs
Penicillin/antibiotic if you happen to can acquire this treatment