Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Government of India

 

 

Advisory for Hajj Pilgrims on Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine flu)

 

  1.             Health Advisory from ministry of health, kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

 

         Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recommends that elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the hajj and umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.

 

          The Saudi government has advised that pilgrims planning to attend the Hajj must be vaccinated against seasonal flu at least two weeks before traveling to the holy places.

 

          Passengers are currently screened on arrival at all ports of entry into Saudi Arabia. if a pilgrim is suspected to have influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), he / she will be  temporarily quarantined. If he / she test positive you will be admitted to hospital for isolation.

 

2.              Health advisory from ministry of health, government of India

 

2.1                  Before leaving India

 

         Hajj Pilgrims would be medically examined for the signs / symptoms of influenza. A H1N1 (fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, difficulty in breathing) at the point of embarkation that is at the place where booking of pilgrims takes place in their respective states. They will be issued an H1N1 symptom free certificate in prescribed proforma. Contact the local health authority of the state hajj committee of further information.

 

         There would be a provision made by the concerned State Government at the respective airports to issue such certificates to left out Hajj Pilgrims. Contact the Airport Health Officer of further information.

 

2.2            During travel and period of stay in Saudi Arabia

 

2.2.1.        Look for Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu);

 

         During  Hajj, large number of pilgrims gathers from swine flu affected countries. There is a possibility of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak taking place at such large gatherings. Hajj Pilgrims should be familiar with the symptoms of this diseases, namely fever, cough, running nose, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. All Hajj Pilgrims need to self monitor their health.

 

2.2.2.         if you think you have the symptoms of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu);

 

         Consult the medical officer in the Indian contingent. If need be, seek immediate advice from the nearest Saudi medical facility. Anyone who contracts pandernic flu While in Saudi Arabia will be given access free of charges to medication and treatment.

 

         If the advice of the medical doctor is to stay in the camp, use triple layer surgical mask. Avoid close contact with others for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours whichever is longer.

 

         Report to nearest identified health facility if symptoms aggravate (high fever, difficulty in breathing, blue colour of skin or lips, blood in sputum or altered behaviour.

 

 

2.2.3.       Follow simple public health measures to prevent spread of    H1N1 Flu (Do’s and Dont’s)

 

DO :

 

>>        Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze.

>>        Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.

>>        Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

>>        Avoid crowded places except for performing the religious activities of Hajj.

>>        Stay more than an arm’s length from persons afflicted with flu.

>>        Get plenty of sleep.

>>        Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

 

DO NOT :

 

X          Shake hands or hug in greeting except as a mandatory religious activity of the Hajj.

X          Spit in public.

X          Take medicines without consulting a physician.

 

 

2.3.            After reaching Back

 

          Continue to monitor your health for 10 days.

         Report to nearest screening centre if you develop symptoms of flu.

 

 

 

For more information

● visit http://www.mohfw-h1n1.nic.in

● Contact National Help Line-011-23921401 or

● Contact the Help Line Number of your State Health Department

 

 

Summary information extracted from following web pages. For more information may visit these sites.     

                                  http://www.hajinformation.com

                               http://health.moh.gov.sa/swine/recomd.htm

                               http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/nl1/newsroom/dg 180496