How to Prevent Illness, Heatstroke, and Dehydration During the Arbaeen Walk
How to Prevent Illness, Heatstroke, and Dehydration During the Arbaeen Walk?
A medical specialist, referring to common illnesses during the Arbaeen walking route, emphasized hand hygiene, the consumption of healthy food and water, prevention of heatstroke, foot care, and carrying essential medications. He stated that if warning symptoms occur, pilgrims should avoid self-medication and immediately seek medical assistance at healthcare centers.
According to the report from the university's web correspondent, Dr. Tayebeh Rezaei Aref, a physician at the Dr. Vameghi Clinic of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, while offering condolences on the Arbaeen of the leader and master of martyrs, stated: The spiritual and magnificent journey of Arbaeen, due to high population density and environmental conditions, requires physical readiness and precise health management to prevent pilgrims from contracting common illnesses along the route.
Prevention of Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Referring to the importance of preventing respiratory and gastrointestinal epidemics and emphasizing that population density in mokebs (service tents) and enclosed spaces provides a suitable environment for virus transmission, Dr. Rezaei Aref stressed the continuous use of masks in crowded areas and strict adherence to hand hygiene.
She added: Frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of disinfectant solutions is the primary defensive barrier for pilgrims against pathogens; therefore, touching the eyes and mouth with contaminated hands must be strictly avoided.
Referring to the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems among pilgrims, this university faculty member warned: Pilgrims must use bottled and sealed water and should never use ice from unofficial sources.
Regarding safe nutrition, she said: Food should be consumed fresh and thoroughly hot. Consuming ready-made salads, raw vegetables, and leftover food in the open air significantly increases the risk of poisoning and infectious diarrhea.
Management of Heatstroke and Musculoskeletal Health
Referring to the dual pressure of the route on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, Dr. Rezaei Aref provided recommendations for managing energy and body temperature.
She added: To prevent dehydration, the use of hats and umbrellas and resting during peak sun radiation hours is essential. Additionally, to maintain the balance of body salts, it is recommended to consume fluids containing electrolytes, such as ORS solutions or diluted lemonade.
She also considered foot care an important issue during the walk, stating: Using standard shoes and cotton socks is essential, and in the event of blisters, pilgrims must not under any circumstances puncture them with non-sterile tools; instead, they should only cover them with a clean bandage to prevent secondary infection.
Management of Underlying Conditions and Carrying a First Aid Kit
This university physician advised pilgrims suffering from underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or asthma: Carry sufficient amounts of your medications in a handbag, along with a physician's prescription or a medical identification card in English or Arabic.
She also considered the preparation of a personal first aid kit—including standard painkillers, mild anti-diarrheal medications, antacids, and elastic bandages—to be essential.
Immediate Referral in Case of Warning Symptoms
In conclusion, while wishing for the acceptance of the pilgrims' prayers on this spiritual path, Dr. Rezaei Aref urged them that if warning symptoms such as high fever, persistent diarrhea and vomiting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or signs of extreme dehydration such as dry mouth and decreased urination occur, they must avoid self-medication and immediately visit Red Crescent medical stations or medical centers located along the route.
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