Checklists for a healthy Hajj
Along with millions of Muslims around the world, many people here in Bangladesh are getting prepared to move to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the holy Hajj. Overcrowding in Hajj may lead to accidental injury and spread of infectious diseases like meningitis, flu that spread easily from person to person.
To keep pilgrims safe and healthy, the government of Saudi Arabia recommends vaccination and health check up prior to entering into the country. According to the authority, administration of two vaccines — one for meningitis and another for H1N1 influenza before arrival are mandatorily required to prevent any epidemic outbreak of these notorious diseases.
In addition to vaccine requirements, all pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia will be screened for diseases that must be reported under the International Health Regulations, including dengue fever, meningococcal meningitis, influenza and yellow fever.
These mandatory vaccines are available at free of cost from government facilities. Government medical college hospitals and some other government healthcare settings are providing two vaccines along basic health check ups. People getting vaccines are given a stamped and signed health card that is necessary to carry as a proof of vaccine administration and others medical records.
However, experts advised to make sure that you have taken all the routine vaccines (such as measles-mumps-rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) as well. According to them, people heading to Saudi Arabia may consider some additional vaccinations for extra protection like Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever. These are diseases you can get through contaminated food and water.
People with chronic diseases, such as heart, liver or kidney diseases, diabetes (with or without complications), obesity or any other condition that affects a person's overall health are strongly recommended to consult physicians to take any decision performing Hajj. The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health recommends that pilgrims should be 12-65 years old and in good health.
You can make a checklist to stay heal and hearty during Hajj. Take some essential medicine prescribed by a registered doctor, for example, drugs for diarrhoea, gastritis, asthma, cough and cold, fever, nasal decongestants, allergy, motion sickness, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages for cuts and scrapes, non-perfumed lotion. Additionally, you must check your regular medication (if any) are with you.
Taking necessary health preparation for the Hajj is essential to perform all the rituals and stages of Hajj. May Allah bless all of you with a successful journey to the holy place.
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