Ramadan is a holy month that Muslims look forward to every year. Fasting and enduring hunger and thirst for an entire month is not easy, especially during the pandemic. The risk of COVID-19 infection is still present, so you need to stay cautious to avoid getting sick or infected with SARS-CoV-2 while fasting.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, advises Muslims to maintain good health throughout Ramadan month. You can still receive the Covid-19 vaccine while fasting to increase your protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, there are several steps you can follow so that you can continue fasting comfortably and safely during the pandemic. What are they?

Maintaining Adequate Hydration

During your fast, the time you have to drink water is very limited. Hot weather can also make you sweat more and lose extra fluid. Therefore, make sure you meet your daily fluid intake at iftar and suhoor. You can also increase your fluid intake by consuming soups, soto (a soup dish made with soy sauce), rawon, meatball soup, or other soup-based foods. You may also add water-rich fruits such as watermelon and oranges after meals. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda, because they make you urinate more often.

Choosing Nutritious Meals

Choosing the right foods for iftar and suhoor is important to provide your body with enough energy until the time to break your fast. Select complex carbohydrates food sources such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, green beans, and lentils, that can provide longer-lasting energy. Also include high-fiber foods, low-fat dairy products, and healthy unsaturated fats food source such as avocados, unsalted nuts, salmon, and olive oil in your diet.

Staying Physically Active

Staying active helps to keep your blood sugar stable and supports your metabolism. You can do light activities, such as walking around your neighborhood, which will not tire you out too much but still helps you stay fit.

Following Health Protocols

Continue to follow health protocols, such as washing your hands with soap and clean water, wearing a mask when you are outside the home, maintaining physical distance, following proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and avoiding breaking the fast in large groups, especially with people in high-risk groups.

If you plan to hold an iftar gathering, try to limit it to your immediate family circle to reduce the risks of Covid-19 transmission.

Receiving the Covid-19 Vaccination

The Indonesian Muslem Scholars Council (MUI) has issued fatwa number 13 of 2021 in regards of Covid-19 vaccination law during a fast. The fatwa states that receiving the Covid-19 vaccination does not break the fast and is allowed for Muslims who are fasting.

Covid-19 vaccination is recommended to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection. The vaccine can be given from morning until evening, as long as it does not interfere with prayer times. Fasting does not affect the safety or effectiveness of vaccination.

WHO also states that there is no evidence that fasting increases the risks of Covid-19 infection. If you are in good health, you may continue to fast in the pandemic. However, if you are fasting while you are infected with Covid-19, consult your doctor to find out whether you may continue fasting or need to stop your fast.

Looking for more information and health articles about Covid-19? Click here!