India issues advisory on H1N1 flu for Haj pilgrims

The external affairs ministry has issued an advisory for Haj pilgrims for prevention of H1N1 pandemic flu during the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The external affairs ministry has issued an advisory for Haj pilgrims for prevention of H1N1 pandemic flu during the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

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The advisory suggests that pilgrims should not shake hands or hug in greeting during the Haj, unless it is a mandatory religious activity. Other taboo activities were spitting in public and taking medicine without consulting a doctor.

The first batch of pilgrims is expected to leave for Saudi Arabia in the second half of October.

The advisory was first issued by the ministry of health and family welfare, and then was later disseminated by the external affairs ministry who is the coordinating agency for the Haj pilgrimage.