DUBAI // Tips to have a safe and healthy Haj pilgrimage were discussed at Dubai Health Authority’s smart clinic this week.
Experts provided guidelines with regard to vaccinations, prevention of heat stroke and ways to avoid food-poisoning.
Dr Sawsan Al Nahas, specialist registrar at DHA’s Traveller’s Clinic, said: “The most important step for any Haj pilgrim is to avail of the necessary vaccines. Ideally, the vaccines should be taken four to six weeks before travel or at least ten days before the date of travel.”
Dr Al Nahas said that because of the risk of respiratory diseases, it is recommended that 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 are recommended to postpone their plans for Haj this year.
Dr Al Nahas advised Haj pilgrims to get a comprehensive check-up done before they travel.
Pilgrims should carry enough stock of their medications, especially if they suffer from a chronic disease that requires them to take medications regularly.
Dr Leqaa Mohammed Al Maftool, family medicine consultant at DHA, said diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently during Haj to avoid hypoglycaemia.
“They should always carry some type of sugar source to treat hypoglycaemic episodes. They also need to ensure they take their medications on time to avoid hyperglycaemia which mean high blood sugar,” said Dr Al Maftool.
Proper storage of medicines is essential especially in the case of insulin which needs to be stored at a low temperature.
The information was disseminated yesterday during the two-hour live clinic via DHA’s Twitter page, Instagram account and through periscope.
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