4 Common medical problems during your pilgrimage trip

Performing rites of pilgrimage may involve increased the incidence of some medical problems, so we will discuss these situations and enumerate how to avoid them.

1. Flu and upper respiratory tract infections: they develop due to over-crowding or sudden changes in the surrounding temperatures (being in hot place and suddenly moving to air-conditioned places). To avoid these conditions, you should avoid over-crowded hypo-ventilated places as possible and avoid sudden change of the surrounding atmosphere. Seasonal vaccination against flu and respiratory infections is very important preventive measure, also eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables will be helpful.
2. Gastroenteritis: it usually develops due to eating food contaminated with microorganisms that cause symptoms such as diarrhea and gastritis. Be sure to eat healthy clean food and always have a look at the expiry date.
3. Back pain: it's also called renal colic and develops due to deposition of excessive amount of salts and formation of renal stones. Drinking plenty amount of water is very important to avoid formation of renal stones; also you should avoid salt-rich diet.
4. Sun stroke: it's usually manifested by; weakness, disturbed consciousness, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. It develops due to long-term exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures. To avoid sun stroke you should avoid hot atmosphere and direct sun light as you can in addition to drinking plenty amount of water. Also you should wash bare areas of your body (face and extremities) with cold water regularly.