Preparation for the Hajj is vital for a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage. There are many different health risks and hazards that pilgrims are exposed to, and the majority cannot be prevented by vaccination. Here are Nomad’s top travel tips for a safe and healthy pilgrimage:
1. See your travel health specialist for Essential vaccinations
Required Vaccinations for Hajj:
- Meningitis ACWY Vaccine and certificate
Recommended vaccinations:
The MoH KSA recommends all travellers aged 12 years and over intending to perform or attend Hajj and Umrah to be vaccinated against COVID-19
Routine Vaccines to be up to date with:
Vaccines to consider:
A discussion with a Travel health specialist should be had to discuss if these vaccinations are required based on your planned activities and itinerary.
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
2. Have a health check up
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions visit your GP to ensure that you are well enough to travel.
Pilgrims travelling with chronic diseases are advised to carry documentation of their health condition, along with ample supply of their prescribed medications in their original packaging.
3. Keep physically fit
During Hajj/ Umrah you will be walking great distances and performing daily rituals in hot weather. This is physically demanding. it is important that you keep physically active and improving physical fitness by exercising regularly before departure.
4. Be prepared to prevent and manage Travellers’ diarrhoea
Diarrhoeal illness is common during Hajj/Umrah. To reduce the risk of diarrhoea and dehydration you should avoid uncooked meats, raw fruits, and salads. Drink plenty of bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks. It is important to maintain good hand hygiene after using the toilet and before handling food. Carry a hand sanitiser. Avoid sharing bottles and cups and use your own cup to drink Zamzam water in the Haram. Diarrhoea relief medication should be carried and include loperamide and rehydration sachets.
5. Take a Hajj/Umrah medical kit
It is important that you carry a personal medical kit. This should be always with you. Minor injuries and illnesses are relatively common, and you should he prepared to manage these. Your medical kit should include pain killers, dressings and plasters, antiseptic, antifungal cream, diarrhoea relief medication, antihistamines, insect repellent, sun cream, face masks and hand sanitiser.
6. Reduce your risk and prevent infections
Influenza and Covid – 19 viruses are easily transmitted in crowded conditions from sneezing and coughing. Reduce risk by wearing a face mask and practising good hand hygiene.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a virus spread from animals to humans that can cause severe illness and death. Avoid contact with camels avoid raw milk and raw camel milk and avoid eating camel meat. Symptoms of infection include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Always seek medical attention.
7. Protect yourself from the Sun
The high temperatures in Saudi Arabia during the day can put you at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. Take frequent rest breaks, seek shade, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear a high factor sun cream (no less than SPF 30) on exposed skin and reapply frequently to prevent sunburn Take an umbrella to protect you from the sun and provide shade and wear protective sunglasses. Try to perform some rituals in the evening to avoid the stresses of the daytime sun.
8. Protect yourself from Mosquitoes
It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as much as possible throughout the day by wearing long loose clothing and applying insect repellent on exposed skin over the top of sun cream. When indoors consider sleeping under a mosquito net if air conditioning and sealed windows are not present. Dengue virus is a risk in Saudi Arabia and are spread by mosquitoes that can cause flu like symptoms and health complications.
9. Look after your feet
During Hajj and Umrah you will be walking long distances and standing for long periods. Injuries and infections to feet such as blisters and fungal infections are common. To prevent these, wear comfortable and well fitted walking shoes and keep feet clean and dry. Treat any injuries or infections promptly. Beware of walking barefoot on hot marble and sand as this may burn the feet.
10. Accidents and Staying safe
During Hajj/ Umrah, you may have to walk close to or through traffic and busy roads. Accidents with vehicles are a hazard. Pushing in large crowds around the stoning rites and other activities can cause people to fall and become crushed or trampled on. Avoid peak times and overcrowded areas. Ensure that you have adequate travel health insurance. Carry copies of any prescription drugs and GP details as they may be required if emergency care is needed.
Men who wish to shave their heads during Hajj should take their own razor for personal use and visit licenced and officially designated barbers. Blood borne infections such as Hepatitis B and HIV are a risk and can be transmitted through unclean blades.
11. Wear a Money belt
Keep all your personal belongings such as your money, mobile phone, passport, medications, sunglasses, fan and pocket Dua book safe in a secure and hidden money belt. Lightweight and comfortable to wear and hands free they sit hidden safely under the Ihram.
12. Safety
Take care with personal possessions. Never leave luggage unattended. Always clearly label your luggage showing your name, passport number, flight number, hotel name and contact phone number.
Make copies of your passport, insurance policy and emergency numbers. Take these with you and leave copies with family or friends at home.
13. After Hajj
If you feel unwell on return from the Hajj and are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath it is important to seek medical attention and mention your travel history.
Additional Resources
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Documents/Health-Regulations-En.pdf
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/hajj-and-umrah-pilgrimage
No Comments
Be the first to start a conversation