The MOH Media Information and Health Awareness Center, by means of its service dubbed: “Pilgrims' Health Is Our Concern”, has hosted senior doctors and specialists to answer questions of patients, who want to perform Hajj without problems.
On the program's final day, Dr. Yahia Abu-Saba'a, respiratory diseases consultant, answered many questions on the toll-free number: 8002494444 and on Twitter @saudimoh.
Abu-Saba'a said that some patients are not recommended to perform Hajj; patient with respiratory diseases, especially those suffer open and contagious tuberculosis. They shouldn't go to the pilgrimage until they are completely treated form tuberculosis sputum (not to infect pilgrims, Allah forbid). Also patients having chronic and severe asthma (copd), respiratory failure and advanced pulmonary fibrosis disease with respiratory failure, particularly because it may be a risk to their lives, are not advised to perform pilgrimage.
Concerning vaccinations for respiratory diseases, Dr. Abu-Sab'a advised patients to take seasonal influenza vaccination, which gives immunity up to 80% of influenza viruses in general. It also reduces the flu infection and protects patients from its impact, God willing. Patients also should be vaccinated by bacteria Alnaomukl (pneumoccal), which is given every 5 years for patients with chronic asthmatic, and lung fibrosis and other disease to prevent chest infection that may severely impact on patient.
Dr. Abu-Sab'a advised patients with respiratory diseases to avoid crowded places, cars fumes and foul odors that may lead, God forbid, to severe bronchial asthma. They should avoid smoking generally and particularly in Hajj, take their medications all the times of pilgrimage and use bronchus expanders if necessary. Having severe bouts, patients are advised to go to the nearest health centers and hospitals to take treatment.
Regarding drugs for patients of respiratory diseases, Dr. Abu-Sab'a said they should take medicines recommended by doctor (control sprays - and anti-alantrlokins), expanded sprays of bronchus for severe blockage as alphentolen and others to be used in case of severe bouts and antibiotics for bronchus expansion according to doctor's advice. Cortisone tablets are advised t patients with bronchial asthma if necessary, upon doctor's instructions, putting on protective masks in crowded places that may be infectious and dusty.