The Manager of the MOH Media Information and Health Awareness Center; Pharmacist Amal bint Mo'aweyah Abu Al-Jadail pointed out that the most important medications which a Hajj performer has to bring along on the Hajj journey are antipyretics and analgesics such as paracetamol; cough and phlegm expectorants, cream, vaseline, powder used when experiencingskin exfoliation, cream and ointment for stretching musclesas result of exhaustion and walking, muslin and medical cotton and wound disinfectants; wounds and burns cream, laxatives for constipation treatment, diarrhea medication, antibiotics afterconsulting a physician, and antacids.
She went on stressing on the importance of ensuring of theshelf life of the medicationsand their expiry date before packing them in the luggage. Also, they have to be keen on keeping these medications in the proper place, away from the hot sun beams; together with an insulin cooling case for the diabetics and a glucose meter; in order to safeguard them against sudden fatigue.
Within the same vein, she advised the Hajj performers when returning to their countries, and after having finished performing the Hajj rites, to take a medication abolishing viral meningitis such as ciprofloxacin; a dose, or rifampicin for two days. This medication is administered as protection for the Hajj performer in case of bearing the viral meningitis, in spite of being administered the meningitis vaccine or the preventive medication. She went on to add that ciprofloxacin is not taken by the pregnant and children; as regards rifampicin, it is recommended consulting a physician before administering it to the pregnant.
She further recommended that nationals and non-Hajj performer residents be keen on following up disease prevention methods as some Hajj performers, having returned home, arenot injured with diseases, but they bear them. Therefore, their family members should take the necessary vaccinations, but under the supervision of a physician. She also urged the Hajj performers, after having finished their Hajj rites, to see a physician, in order to generally assure of their health.
As regards the majority of the Hajj performers suffering from chronic diseases, and the long term effect of the medications they take, and whether they have to suspend these medications and retake them, she answered that" most medications have a negative effect when used for a long term, but their positive effect is bigger; therefore, it is recommended not suspending the medicationprescribed by a physician, and continuing taking it, unless it is advised not to be taken."
She also drew attention to the remarkable awareness of the Media Information and Health Awareness Center'saudienceto the effect that they showed knowledge and deep interest in their health with regard to how they have to act towards the issues encountering them. This was evidenced by what we notice in terms of the profound questions coming to the Media Information and health Awareness Center, whether through the toll-free telephone line or the Twitter account of the Ministry of Health (MOH)."
Last but not least she advised the Hajj performers to act upon the health awareness guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) through using the toll-free telephone line: 8002494444 throughout the Hajj time, social network websites, or the educational bulletins and posters put up in the Holy Sites; namely for those with chronic diseases. And as far as they are concerned, she urged them to take their medications in adequate amounts sufficing them until Hajj rites have finished.