Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that is compulsory for every Muslim. There are great physical and spiritual benefits for the believers in this great act of worship.

The aim of this article is to provide some tips and answer some common health related questions for pilgrims.

Do I have to perform Hajj if I am unwell?

Islam is a religion of tolerance and understanding and therefore somebody who is physically unable to perform the Hajj because of illness or infirmity are exempt from going. For example, people who have chest pain at rest or minimal exertion due to angina or heart disease.

What effect may the climate and environment have on my health?

There are undoubtedly many benefits to be derived from the Holy Land and many people return from Hajj with positive changes to their lives.

Annually more than 2 million people travel to Makkah during Hajj and this can result in overcrowding.

Depending on when you travel, the temperatures could reach as high as 45 degrees and strenuous exertion during the Hajj rites can result in heat stroke or dehydration. There is also the risk of developing blisters on the feet as well as catching coughs and colds.

Why do I need to have a Meningitis ACWY vaccine?

There have been outbreaks of meningitis in pilgrims in the past. If meningitis is left untreated it could lead to death. Therefore the Saudi Government has made it mandatory for all pilgrims to have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine before issuing a visa.

Is there any tips on reducing coughs and cold during my travel?

• Wash your hands with soapy water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them appropriately.
• Avoid hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid direct contact with those showing symptoms of coughs and colds
• Practice good food safety – avoid undercooked meat or food prepared under unsanitary conditions, wash fruit and vegetables properly before eating them and avoid unpasteurised milk or milk products, including camel’s milk.
• Consider wearing facemasks, especially when in crowded places.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.

There has been concerns over the MERS- CoV virus which causes serious chest infections in the middle east. The risk is relatively low to UK travellers in the Middle-East and pilgrims are advised to follow the above tips.

Should I have any other vaccinations?

You should also consider vaccinations against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and polio. If you are aged over 65 years or suffer from chronic diseases you should also consider the Flu jab and the pneumococcal jab. Ensure that you have your jabs at least 10 days before you travel. Speak to your GP or the practice nurse at your local surgery for further information.

What medical kit should I carry with me?

If you are prescribed medicines by your GP, ensure that you take these medicines with you.

The following are items that you should consider taking with you . You can purchase most of these from your local chemist or supermarket

–  Simple painkillers- Paracetamol or Ibuprofen

–  Plasters, bandages, scissors

–  Oral rehydration salts (eg Dioralyte)‏

–  Anti-diarrheal tablets (eg Loperamide)‏

–  Good footwear

–  Suncream (Non Perfumed)‏ to avoid sunburns especially if you are fair skinned

–  Antiseptic cream (eg Sudocrem)

–  Petroleum jelly (eg Vaseline) for the feet and groin to avoid irritation when walking

–  Throat lozenges

–  Clove oil for toothache

–  A white umbrella

–  Water flask

Other Tips

Avoid using roadside barbers and use designated barbers. You should ensure that they use new blades to minimise the risk of catching viruses like Hepatitis B & C.

Try to avoid the midday sun and use an umbralla to reflect the sun but remember that head coverings are prohibited for men during Hajj.

Some female pilgrims may wish to delay menstruation if it is scheduled to occur during Hajj and this should be discussed well in advance with the GP who may prescribe hormonal therapy.

Be careful with what you eat. Remember the rule to avoid food poisoning:

Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it!

Consider gradually increasing your physical activity- for example, building upto walking a few miles a day before you travel.

Free health care is provided for all pilgrims with 24 hour access. There are plenty of chemists where you can purchase medicines. If you are travelling via other countries then you should consider travel insurance.