Hajj Umrah are one of the largest gatherings of the world. The congregation of Hajj takes place annually, while Umrah can be performed anytime throughout the year. Ramadan 2017 Umrah, it is the month in which most pilgrimage performs Umrah as compared to other months of the year. This massive crowd is associated with health risks due to thousands and thousands of people from all over the world gather in one place at one time.
Getting sick during Hajj Umrah is a troublesome issue that can lead to severe health conditions. It will affect your health and can hinder performing Hajj Umrah rights. Before you leave for Hajj Umrah, it is important that you go through these precautionary measures to keep yourself and your family safe from diseases.
Hajj Umrah Before Traveling
Get an appointment with a travel health specialist a month before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Ask him about the recommended medicines or vaccines. Some of the compulsory vaccinations are:
Meningitis
The Saudi government has made it compulsory on every pilgrim to take this vaccination. They will check the certificate of the vaccination at the airport. Meningitis vaccination saves the body from meningitis infection to spread in the blood. Moreover, this disease is contagious.
Poliomyelitis
Saudi government asks for the standard vaccination certificate from pilgrim on Hajj as well as Umrah. It is essential to get vaccinated for this disease polio, which is extremely common in Pakistan.
Flu Precautions
People going for Hajj and Umrah must get vaccinated for flu as people get in close contact during tawaf. Saudi government recommends pilgrims to have flu vaccination so that they do not get affected during Hajj Umrah.
During Trip
- Prevent yourself from any illness or disease by keeping your body parts clean. Wash hands with water and soap often. Try to avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes as much as possible.
- Typhoid is caused by food so take care what you eat as it will not only make you sick but will also affect others. Follow water and food safety guidelines.
- Try to avoid densely crowded and congested places. Perform rituals at non-peak hours.
- Men must use disposable blades for shaving heads as unclean blades are a major cause to transmit disease.
After Trip
On your way back home if you do not feel well visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some illnesses cause symptoms after pilgrims reach home. Tell your doctor in detail about where you went, what you ate and if you got scratched or bitten by an animal.
We highly recommend going through the health requirements for Hajj and Umrah travel group published by Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia on an annual basis and try to follow the instruction for the sake of your health.
