With the Haj season approaching soon, Dr Abdolilah Baxarawi, a certified travel medicine associate consultant at the travel clinic at Al Ahli Hospital, has stressed on the required vaccines for the pilgrims against infections including hepatitis A and B, influenza and other routine vaccinations against measles.
Over 2mn Muslims from all over the world are estimated to arrive in Makkah and Medina for Haj.
The travel clinic at Al Ahli Hospital provides instructions, information and vaccination to visitors who want to travel to any destination in the world.
Dr Baxarawi said the pilgrims have to wash their hands frequently with soap and water to prevent respiratory infection and to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. They must also avoid touching people they come across during the pilgrimage.
He said the pilgrims have to keep sufficient distance from people who are coughing, sneezing or who appear to be sick. Wearing face masks in crowded places has also been recommended.
In addition, the doctor cautioned that people must take precautions to prevent skin infections.
The visitors should not share razors and preferably use single use razors. They should visit only a registered barber at officially designated centres and insist on new shaving blades.
Dr Baxarawi emphasised that those returning from the pilgrimage must consult a doctor immediately, if they suffer from coughing or feel shortness
of breath.
