LONDON: A British Muslim doctor on Thursday shared his tried-and-tested tips with pilgrims who are about to take part in the first Hajj open to foreigners since the pandemic, including preparing for the scorching heat and carrying vital medicines. .
Dr Imran Zia, clinical director of emergency medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust, has accompanied British groups on Hajj at least 15 times as a medical expert and a guide.
During a webinar organized by the Council of British Hajis, the veteran health worker explained how pilgrims should prepare for summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
“Umbrellas are very useful, especially in the summer and at this time the temperature is likely to be between 40 and 45 degrees. We in the UK are not used to such high temperatures and I encourage you to wear light colors and use sunscreen If you can, avoid going out in the afternoon,” Jia said.
Since Hajj involves a lot of walking between holy sites in the scorching heat, Zia advises pilgrims to break off the shoes they plan to use.
“Please walk in the sandals you’re taking with you. Every year we see people buy a new pair of sandals, take them to Saudi Arabia, and then get blisters. Now you need to wear those sandals.” Is.
“If you find that the soles of your feet are giving you trouble, I encourage you to buy good quality insoles, and stick them to the inside of your sandals. You will find that this will give you great relief. It’s like you’re walking in the air.
“If you’re a diabetic, I would discourage you from taking flip-flops because they encourage infection, skin breakdown, sweat, and will likely give you problems. So it’s better to get sandals with straps that you can secure. can,” said the medical professional.
Zia also addressed the infamous Hajj cough that many pilgrims get due to the dry and dusty environment and the fact that people from all over the world have gathered in one place.
“With Hajj cough, which unfortunately a lot of people get, the onset is very rapid. It comes on very suddenly and your temperature will go up and down. You will have an obvious headache and it is really quite severe. Sore throat. It’s very common to have a sore throat. It’s a dry cough and you’ll be in a lot of pain, like you’ve been hit by a bus,” Xia said.
“Unfortunately, there is no medicinal pill I can recommend that you use other than simple measures like paracetamol to keep the temperature down, lozenges to help with the sore throat, salt water gargles, and rest. Take measures other than doing it.”
He said that the best way to avoid Hajj cough is to wear a face mask, cover your mouth and practice good hygiene.
The doctor said, “If you see someone coughing, keep your distance.”
He also highlighted the importance of pilgrims taking adequate amount of medicine for those who have existing health conditions.
“Take lots of medicine. One thing I’d say about medicine is to carry it in your hand luggage. Pack some in your hold luggage as well. And if it’s really important medicine you don’t want to lose, then Pack it with the person who is with you, along with a covering letter,” Xia said.
“Some medicines, especially those for cancer or diabetes, are not available. Carry a repeat prescription with you so that if you do get sick people know what medicines you are taking. If you have a serious condition, I would encourage you to always carry your hospital consultant’s name, the hospital consultant’s contact number or the name of their department secretary, and your hospital number with you.
He also advised people who usually wear contact lenses to avoid doing so during pilgrimage and to pack an extra pair of glasses.
“I would encourage all of you to avoid contact lenses if possible. It is likely that you are going to be awake for several hours in a dusty environment and suffer from lack of sleep. The last thing you want to do is Have an eye infection. And take an extra pair of glasses,” Xia said.
Finally, the Doctor shares his golden list of “Ps”:
Prescription list of all prescribed medicines
Patient details with contact numbers, especially if you are having issues
Paracetamol will help reduce the temperature
ointment for blisters
Petroleum jelly (odorless) will reduce tingling between the legs
penicillin/antibiotic if you can get this medicine