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 making ready for the extreme summer season warmth, and carrying essential medicines.
Dr. Imran Zia, scientific director for emergency drugs at Barts Well being NHS Belief, has accompanied British teams on Hajj as each a medical skilled and a information not less than 15 instances.
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 aren’t 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 case you can,” Zia stated.
Because the Hajj entails 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 will take with you. Yearly we see individuals shopping for a brand new pair of sandals, taking them to Saudi Arabia, after which getting blisters. It’s good to put on in these sandals now.
“When you really feel that the soles of your ft 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 reduction. It’s such as you’re strolling on air.
“When you’re diabetic, I’d discourage you from taking flip-flops as they encourage infections, pores and skin breakages, sweatiness, and can seemingly offer you issues. So it’s higher to get sandals with straps which you could safe,” the medical skilled stated.
Zia additionally addressed the infamous Hajj cough that many pilgrims get because of the dry and dusty surroundings and the truth that individuals from all around the world have gathered in a single place.
“With the Hajj cough, which sadly many individuals get, the onset is fairly fast. It comes on very all of a sudden 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 stated.
“Sadly, there is no such thing as a medicinal pill I can suggest that you simply take aside from utilizing easy measures akin to paracetamol to maintain the temperature down, lozenges to assist with the sore throat, gargling with saltwater, and having a relaxation.”
He stated one of the best ways to forestall getting the Hajj cough is to put on a face masks, preserve one’s mouth lined, and follow good hygiene.
“When you see somebody coughing, preserve your distance,” the physician stated.
He additionally highlighted the significance of pilgrims taking a ample quantity of drugs for many who have current well being situations.
“Take loads of remedy. One factor I’ll say about remedy is that you need to take it in your hand baggage. Additionally pack some in your maintain baggage. And if it’s actually essential remedy that you do not need to get misplaced, pack it with the one who’s accompanying you as properly, with a protecting letter,” Zia stated.
“Some medicines, particularly for most cancers or diabetes are simply not out there. Take a repeat prescription with you in order that in case you do turn out to be ailing, individuals know what remedy you’re on. When you’ve got a critical situation, I’ll at all times encourage you to take the identify 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 throughout the pilgrimage and to pack a spare pair of spectacles.
“I’d encourage all of you to keep away from contact lenses, if attainable. It’s seemingly 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 need to do is to get an eye fixed an infection. And take a spare pair of spectacles,” Zia stated.
Lastly, the physician shared his golden checklist of “Ps”:
Prescription checklist, of all prescribed remedy
Affected person particulars with contact numbers, particularly in case you have an ongoing drawback
Paracetamol will assist scale back a temperature
Plasters for blisters
Petroleum jelly (unscented) will ease chafing between the legs
Penicillin/antibiotic in case you can get hold of this remedy
