Saudi German Hospital's Medical Blog

·    Maintaining personal hygiene, bathing regularly, and washing hands well by using water and soap, or other disinfectants used for handwashing, especially after coughing and sneezing.
·    Using handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing by covering the nose and mouth, and then eliminating them in the trash. In case there are no handkerchiefs at hand, use the upper arms rather than hands.
·    Using a face-mask, especially in crowded places, and changing it every now and then.
·    In case there are no handkerchiefs at hand, use the upper arms, rather than hands, for covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
·    Wash your hands well, using water and soap, or the hand-sterilizing gel, especially after bathing, after coughing and sneezing, before eating, and when coming back to your residence.
·    Paying close attention to the oral and dental cleanliness.
·    Eliminating wastes in the trash.
·    Changing cloths with new ones every now and then.
·    Paying close attention to the cleanliness of your residence, on a daily basis.
·    Avoiding spitting on the floor, since it is a hazardous source of infection .

When shaving or haircutting, be sure to follow certain health tips and instructions to protect yourself against such infectious diseases as hepatitis (B) and (C) and AIDS. Such tips include:

• Choose a suitable barber, and never go to street barbers.
• Once-use shavers are recommended. Keep away from all other kinds of shavers, including the ones which have their  razors  changed after every shave.
• Never share others with such personal tools as the brushes used to remove hair, sponges, etc.
• Ask the barber to wash his hands well (by using water and soap) before shaving or haircutting.
• Remember that using your own shavers, and not sharing others with theirs, is the best way to protect yourself against the infection of hepatitis (B)(C) , and maybe AIDS.
  

On the onset of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or sun strokes (high body temperature , headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, thirst, and/or cramping of the abdominal and leg muscles), you should:

• Getting away from the sunny to a shady place.
• Cooling the body by cold water.
• Taking enough sleep.
• Taking antipyretics and painkillers when necessary.
• Heading for the nearest health centers in severe cases.

Among the most common diseases during the Hajj is exfoliation (between thighs), to prevent it keep the personal hygiene and regular bathing, use powder and other moisturizing cream when needed, walk in strides to avoid exfoliation as much as possible and Keep in-between thigh area clean and dry.

Xerophthalmia (Eye Dryness)

It is caused by the dust, dryness of the weather and direct exposure to the sun.

Prevention

Using sunglasses.

Being interested in bringing an additional pair of sunglasses in the event that you damaged or lost the other one; it is recommended that its rim be plastic.

Not using contacting lens only after referring to your oculist.

Using moisturizing eye drops after referring to your oculist.

Diarrhea

Keep away from fatty foods.

Verify of the cleanliness of food, and cook it well, and don't buy foods from street vendors (See the Prevention of Food Poisoning).

Drink much liquid to avoid dehydration.

Head for the nearest health center if diarrhea persists.

Constipation

Eat much fresh fruit and vegetables.

Drink much liquid.

Nausea and Vomiting

Don't eat and drink too much, especially fatty foods, until nausea and vomiting stop.

Drink frequently to avoid dehydration.

See a doctor in case vomiting is severe or persisting.