LONDON: A British Muslim physician on Thursday shared his tried and examined suggestions with pilgrims who’re about to take part within the first post-pandemic Hajj open to foreigners, which incorporates making ready for the extraordinary summer season warmth, and carrying vital medicines.
Dr. Imran Zia, medical director for emergency drugs at Barts Well being NHS Belief, has accompanied British teams on Hajj as each a medical professional 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 for the time being is more likely to be between 40 and 45 levels. We’re not used to such excessive temperatures within the UK and I’d encourage you to put on gentle colours and use sunscreen. Keep away from going out within the afternoon in the event you can,” Zia mentioned.
Because the Hajj includes numerous 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’re going to 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 might want to put on in these sandals now.
“For those who really feel that the soles of your toes are going to provide 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 offers you an immense quantity of aid. It’s such as you’re strolling on air.
“For those who’re diabetic, I’d discourage you from taking flip-flops as they encourage infections, pores and skin breakages, sweatiness, and can possible offer you issues. So it’s higher to get sandals with straps which you could 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 out of the blue and your temperature will go up and down. You should 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 is no such thing as a medicinal pill I can suggest that you simply take apart from utilizing easy measures resembling paracetamol to maintain the temperature down, lozenges to assist with the sore throat, gargling with saltwater, and having a relaxation.”
He mentioned one of the best ways to stop getting the Hajj cough is to put on a face masks, maintain one’s mouth coated, and follow good hygiene.
“For those who see somebody coughing, maintain your distance,” the physician mentioned.
He additionally highlighted the significance of pilgrims taking a ample quantity of medication for many who have present well being circumstances.
“Take loads of remedy. One factor I’ll say about remedy is that it’s best to take it in your hand baggage. Additionally pack some in your maintain baggage. And if it’s actually vital remedy that you don’t want to get misplaced, pack it with the one that’s accompanying you as effectively, with a protecting letter,” Zia mentioned.
“Some drugs, particularly for most cancers or diabetes are simply not out there. Take a repeat prescription with you in order that in the event you do grow to be unwell, folks know what remedy you’re on. In case you have a critical situation, I’ll at all times encourage you to take the title of your hospital marketing consultant, the hospital marketing consultant’s contact quantity or the secretary of their division, and your hospital quantity with you.”
He additionally suggested individuals who normally put on contact lenses to keep away from doing so through the pilgrimage and to pack a spare pair of spectacles.
“I’d encourage all of you to keep away from contact lenses, if potential. It’s possible that you simply’re going to be awake for a lot of hours within the dusty environments and endure from lack of sleep. The very last thing you wish to do is to get a watch an infection. And take a spare pair of spectacles,” Zia mentioned.
Lastly, the physician shared his golden record of “Ps”:
Prescription record, of all prescribed remedy
Affected person particulars with contact numbers, particularly when you’ve got an ongoing downside
Paracetamol will assist scale back a temperature
Plasters for blisters
Petroleum jelly (unscented) will ease chafing between the legs
Penicillin/antibiotic in the event you can receive this remedy
