By TwoCircles.net news desk
Health Advisory from Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
· Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recommends that elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.
· The Saudi government has advised that pilgrims planning to attend the Hajj must be vaccinated against seasonal flu at least two weeks before travelling to the holy places.
· Passengers are currently screened on arrival at all ports of entry into Saudi Arabia. If a pilgrim is suspected to have influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), he/ she will be temporarily quarantined. If he/ she test positive you will be admitted to hospital for isolation.
Health advisory from Ministry of Health , Government of India
Before leaving India
· Hajj Pilgrims would be medically examined for the signs/ symptoms of influenza A H1N1 (fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, difficulty in breathing) at the point of embarkation that is at the place where booking of pilgrims takes place in their respective states. They will be issued an H1N1 symptom free certificate in prescribed proforma. Contact the local health authority or the State Hajj Committee for further information.
· There would be a provision made by the concerned State Governments at the respective airports to issue such certificates to left out Hajj Pilgrims. Contact the Airport Health Officer for further information.
During Travel and period of stay in Saudi Arabia
Look for Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) :
· During Hajj, large number of pilgrims gathers from swine flu affected countries. There is a possibility of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak taking place at such large gatherings. Hajj Pilgrims should be familiar with the symptoms of this disease, namely fever, cough, running nose, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. All Hajj pilgrims need to self monitor their health.
If you think you have symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) :
· Consult the medical officer in the Indian contingent. If need be, seek immediate advice from the nearest Saudi medical facility. Anyone who contracts pandemic flu while in Saudi Arabia will be given access free of charge to medication and treatment.
· If the advice of the medical doctor is to stay in the camp, use triple layer surgical mask. Avoid close contact with others for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours whichever is longer.
· Report to nearest identified health facility if symptoms aggravate (high fever, difficulty in breathing, blue colour of the skin or lips, blood in sputum or altered behaviour.
Follow simple public health measures to prevent spread of H1N1 Flu (Do’s and Dont’s)
DO:
þ Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
þ Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.
þ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
þ Avoid crowded places except for performing the religious activities of Hajj.
þ Stay more than an arm’s length from persons afflicted with flu.
þ Get plenty of sleep.
þ Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
DO NOT:
* Shake hands or hug in greeting except as a mandatory religious activity of the Hajj.
* Spit in public.
* Take medicines without consulting a physician.
After reaching Back
· Continue to monitor your health for 10 days.
· Report to nearest screening centre if you develop symptoms of flu.
For More Information
· Visit http://www.mohfw-h1n1.nic.in
· Contact National Help Line -011-23921401 or
· Contact the help line number of your State Health Department
For more information may visit these sites.
http://www.hajinformation.com
http://health.moh.gov.sa/swine/recomd.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_180496