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. 2009 Apr;4(2):50-3.
doi: 10.4103/1817-1737.49412.

Respiratory tract infection during Hajj

Abdulaziz H Alzeer  1
Affiliations

Respiratory tract infection during Hajj

Abdulaziz H Alzeer. Ann Thorac Med. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Respiratory tract infection during Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is a common illness, and it is responsible for most of the hospital admissions. Influenza virus is the leading cause of upper respiratory tract infection during Hajj, and pneumonia can be serious. Taking into account the close contacts among the pilgrims, as well as the crowding, the potential for transmission of M. tuberculosis is expected to be high. These pilgrims can be a source for spreading infection on their return home. Although vaccination program for influenza is implemented, its efficacy is uncertain in this religious season. Future studies should concentrate on prevention and mitigation of these infections.

Keywords: Hajj; influenza; pilgrims; respiratory tract infection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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