Over 100,000 British pilgrims are expected to start travelling from next week to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (lesser Hajj). Health experts from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK, a national organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims have issued a warning to those planning for the Umrah trip to take extra care to protect themselves and their families against infectious diseases like Meningitis and Hepatitis. Travellers are advised that the health risks are preventable and they should take the required vaccinations prior to leaving for the trip. They also warned that there are additional risks to their health because of the weather in Saudi Arabia which will be much hotter than they are used to in the UK.
The health experts specifically reminded the diabetic people who are intending to perform Umrah about the high risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) due to the extremely excessive physical activities being undertaken in hot weather and amongst a large crowded environment. Therefore it is vital that diabetic people must visit their doctor for a pre-travel consultation and medical examination to make sure that their diabetes is well controlled. They need to protect themselves from the sun, dehydration, exhaustion, foot problems, respiratory and bronchial illness.
Travellers on medication should take an adequate supply with them, accompanied by their doctor’s note describing the medicine and their medical history.
Remember: Prevention is better than cure. Be safe than sorry.
