Accurate info important for doctors to make right diagnosis in holy land

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said with accurate information about the health of pilgrims, doctors could determine whether they need further treatment in hospital to stabilise chronic diseases.

"Pilgrims with chronic diseases which are unstable and beyond control until the time of departure for the holy land are advised to postpone the trip to next year to stabilise it, and inform Tabung Haji," he told Bernama.

The haj involves physical rituals and pilgrims should exercise by walking slowly until they could walk five kilometres without any problems.

"Physical exercise can increase the stamina of pilgrims when performing the haj. Pilgrims who have difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort should seek the views of doctors at nearby clinics."

Dr Noor Hisham said pilgrims should get enough rest and sleep, a balanced diet, and practice good personal hygiene by washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.

For those aged 40 years or older and have respiratory and chronic diseases, they are encouraged to get a shot of pneumococccal 23-valent vaccine and influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of getting pneumonia.

Those with chronic diseases should carry adequate supply of medicine in their backpacks, take them according to the time and prescribed dose and to perform 'sunat' prayers according to ability and use a wheelchair if necessary.

Diabetics were encouraged to wear stockings, loose and soft shoes to avoid injury to the feet and to carry the insulin in thermos of ice to ensure effectiveness.

He also advised pilgrims to wear face masks in public to reduce the risk of respiratory infection, drink water at least three to four liters daily and avoid buying food sold on sidewalks for health concerns.

Pilgrims were advised not to visit camel farms, drink camel milk, consume camel meat or visit abattoirs as they pose a risk for infection of MERS-CoV.

Dr Noor Hisham also advised the pilgrims to avoid wearing thick clothes thick in the daytime and wear thick clothes only at night and in the morning.

"Avoid exposure under the blazing sun as pilgrims can get heat exhaustion and heat stroke," he added.

The Ministry of Health is sending 251 officers, including specialists, medical officers, medical assistants, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers and dietitians to assist the Tabung Haji medical team.