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Influence of H1N1 out break on
Hajj 2009.
Information
for Pilgrims
This years Hajj
coincides with the beginning of the winter season.
The onset of seasonal flue also begins in the
Northern Hemisphere during this period. In
addition, a flare up in the incidence of the
present outbreak of Swine Flue caused by influenza
type A/ H1N1 infection is also expected this year.
As the disease spread fromMexico,
where it was first reported, to all continents,
World Health Organization (WHO), on 11 June 2009,
declared the outbreak as a pandemic. A tremendous
amount of awareness is generated since then,
though not every aspect of the disorder, by the
effort of various agencies through the media.
With in weeks,
Kingdom
of
Saudi Arabia
organized a seminar on this pandemic with expert
from WHO and CDC participating, in addition to the
local public health authorities. The meeting has
framed certain guidelines regarding awareness
campaign and instructions for the pilgrims during
the forthcoming Umra and Hajj seasons and informed
all the Hajj missions accordingly once again
establishing the keenness of the Custodian of The
Custodian of the two Holy Mosques in the welfare
of the Pilgrims
.
Swine flue is a viral infection spread
through air (droplet infection) and therefore it
is difficult to control the spread. However, the
following general measures should be of great
help.
·
Sleep
well, 6 to 8 hrs of good sleep is essential for
adults, children need more Take enough fluids,
fresh juice, hot soup etc, and Vitamin C to boost
the immune system. Moderate exercise to maintain
general fitness and preserve your healthfor the
days of Hajj proper (8th to
13th of Dul-Hajj)
Cover
the mouth and nostrils with tissues while sneezing
or coughing and dispose of the tissues properly.
If tissue paper is not readily available, sneeze
into the sleeves.
Wash
your hands with soap and water frequently or use
hand rubs to disinfect the hands
·
Avoid
kissing, hugging and handshakes whenever
possible.
·
Avoid
crowded places when
possible.
·
Using
protective mask while in the open is
advisable
·
The
usual symptoms are fever, headache, and body ache,
running from the nose, throat
pain, cough and some times nausea and vomiting. If
they are mild in nature; few days rest and usual
cold medications are enough if you were otherwise
healthy. Those who are above the age of 65yrs,
pregnant women, children below 12yrs and those
suffering from Asthma, chronic lung disorders,
diabetes, heart disorders, chronic kidney disorder
should seek medical help as early as
possible.
·
In
the case of those who are otherwise healthy but
the
symptoms persist and if the
fever is high and if the patient experiences
shortness of birth or noted purple or blue
discoloration of the lips or has signs of
dehydration consult your physician.
·
Specific
vaccine is now available. You may discuss with
your
physician regarding various
issues related to vaccination.
Kindly go through the
health tips mentioned in our previous article and
follow them as far as possible. Do not be afraid
of swine flu; it is like the ordinary seasonal flu
but we need to remain vigilant. The government of
Saudi
Arabia has made
every possible arrangement to take care of the
health of Pilgrims.
Conclusion
Make this years Hajj a pleasant experience.
Remember it is the largest international gathering
and is a great challenge for the local authorities
to provide all required facilities and this fact
is to be born in mind by every pilgrim. Your
co-operation shall be highly appreciated. You
shall find all officials and guides very helpful
and kind. It is possible that you will come across
some hurdles, please maintain your composure, and
appreciate all those who serve you to perform
Hajj. The good manners shown by you shall evoke
similar response from others, thus, generating a
chain reaction of good behavior, all because of
the nice gesture from your side. We wish you a
comfortable stay in Makah and all other holy
places
Hajj Maqbool,
InshaAllah.
Regards
Department of Welfare and
Public Relations
Al Abeer
Medical Group
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