Guide to a Safe and Healthy Hajj


VACCINATIONS

See your doctor 4-6 weeks before your travels to give time for vaccinations to become effective.

Required Vaccinations:

·  Meningococcal meningitis

·  Yellow Fever

Recommended Vaccinations:

·  Hepatitis A

·  Hepatitis B

·  Typhoid


TRAVEL ADVICE:

Avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during your travels by:

Seeking advice from your doctor if you have:  heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or have previous or a family history of DVT, hormone treatment, recent surgery, recent trauma involving lower limbs and any abnormalities of blood clotting factors.

Purchase elastic compression stockings to wear during the duration of your flight.

Wear loose, baggy clothing during your flight.

Drink plenty of fluids during the flight.

Stand up and stretch your arms and legs every couple of hours.

Avoid crossing legs while seated.

Walk around the cabin as often as possible.


FOOD and WATER SAFETY

Avoid eating exposed food and buying food from street vendors.

Avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized milk and milk products.

Only eat thoroughly cooked food, or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

Avoid eating cooked foods that are no longer piping hot. 

Maintain a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

Avoid using public drinking cups as much as possible.  Always carry your own personal cup with you.

Avoid purchasing Zam Zam water in plastic containers sold by street vendors. 

Use your own eating utensils.  Don’t share.

Use your own soap.  Don’t share.


GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

Prepare yourself for the Hajj rituals prior to your departure by gradually walking greater distances starting 6-8 weeks before you leave.  A brisk walk of one hour three times a week should be sufficient.

Break in sandals or slippers that will be worn in the Hajj.

Start the trip by visiting Madinah where the weather is not as harsh as that of Makkah to

acclimatize gradually to the weather before the actual Hajj.

Wash hands often with non-perfumed soap and water.

Don’t share needles with anyone.

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry and avoid walking barefoot.

Take an umbrella to protect you from the sun.

Make sure you carry with you plenty of clean drinking water.

Try to get plenty of rest.

Keep all your belongings and surroundings as clean as possible at all times.

Hajj for the next few years will be in the winter months.  Weather is extremely hot during the day, and may be very cold during the night.  Remember to keep warm at night to avoid risk of pneumonia.

Avoid over-crowding, dust and close contact with people complaining of sore throat or cough.

Carefully wash toilet seats before using them.  Never sit directly on the toilet seat. Preferably crouch over it, or cover it with toilet paper.

Cover your mouth while you cough.

Don’t spit on the pavement.

Men should apply Vaseline on the inner thighs to avoid excoriation of the skin.

Avoid sleeping under buses and trucks.

Avoid using open flames in tents.  Cook food only in places designated specifically for such purposes.

Never bend down to pick up something you dropped or to get a lost slipper in crowds.  You might fall and be trampled on.

Make sure your tent has a fire extinguisher.

In the case of a fire, immediately turn off the electricity.

Don’t ride on the tops of buses or cars.


JUST FOR WOMEN

In order to postpone your menses for the Hajj season, you may:

Take pills containing progesterone or one of its derivatives (like Primolut Nor and Duphastone).  Take one pill twice daily starting a week before the expected menses and until you finish your Hajj rituals.  You can also take one pill three times daily starting at least three days before the expected menses.  Your menses will start 2-3 days after stopping to take the pills.

Alternatively you can take birth control pills containing both estrogen and progesterone.  These are taken one week before the expected menses and continued until the end of the Hajj rituals.

Many side effects may result from taking these pills.  Women should also be sure they are not pregnant when they take them.  Thus it is advised that women visit their doctor before taking them.


PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers and adequately labeled. 

Carry a signed, dated letter from your physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying

syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. 

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair.

If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet.

Take a small supply of common medicines for sore throat, cough, constipation or diarrhea. 

Take adhesive dressings, Mercurochrome, antiseptic cream, insect repellant, salt tablets and Vaseline.

Your first aid kit should also have an analgesic and something to reduce fevers like paracetamol. 


AVOID HEAT STROKE and HEAT EXAUSTION

Avoid being directly exposed to the sun as much as possible.  Walk in the shade and use your umbrella.

Drink plenty of bottled mineral water.

Try to avoid too many sugared beverages.

Take daily salt tablets.

Get adequate rest before and after performing each ritual.  Don’t overwork yourself. 


IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

Police:                         999

Fire:                            998

Ambulance:                   997

Traffic accidents:           993


GUIDE TO A SAFE AND HEALTHY HAJJ

Hajj is a test of endurance and patience.  Millions of people converge on one small point on Earth to perform this pillar of Islam in total devotion to their Creator.

The sheer number of people gathering in this small area forms a potential health hazard.  The authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia do their utmost to ensure the safety and health of all pilgrims, but pilgrims themselves must also take some necessary precautions to ensure they complete their pilgrimage safely.