Travel tips for pilgrims to Mecca (Hajj and Umrah)


You should follow the latest advice regarding the outbreak of the Corona virus, the Corona virus, caused by a virus of Arab beauty. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor to see if it is advisable to travel. Hajj requires a physical effort so it is important to be in good health before traveling. The same advice applies to Umrah although there are fewer people who gathered here. These travel tips are provided by Cheapest Umrah Packages UK
Saudi authorities also advise some groups to postpone the pilgrimage. People over the age of 65 and people with chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes and immunodeficiency), as well as seriously ill patients, children under 12 and pregnant women, should consult their doctor before making a travel decision.

General travel tips and recommendations for pilgrims traveling from London

During Hajj to Mecca (Hajj / Umrah), millions of people will be gathered in a limited geographical area with basic living conditions. In previous years, there was an outbreak of infectious diseases during Hajj, for example, pneumococcal meningitis.

Vaccination

·         For every person over two years of age, Saudi health authorities require vaccination against meningococcal meningitis (ACWY). International vaccination certificate must be submitted upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. The certificate should provide that the vaccine provided in Norway is a conjugate vaccine that protects against serological groups A, C, W and Y as well as the name of the vaccine. Saudi Arabia requires that the vaccine be given at least 10 days and no later than 3 years before arrival, polysaccharide, and 5 years for the combined vaccine.
·         The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends the vaccination of pilgrims against seasonal influenza. Vaccination is recommended in particular for those who are at increased risk of serious illness or death due to influenza (risk groups). The seasonal influenza vaccine in 2018/2019 will be available as of the summer of 2018, but the southern hemisphere influenza vaccine is available and can be given special exemptions.
·         Special rules apply to additional vaccination upon arrival in Saudi Arabia from certain African and Asian countries.
·         Some people may also need MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and hepatitis B vaccine.
·         Everyone should be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and poliomyelitis. Adults who have already had the vaccine should get a booster every 10 years.

Cleanliness

·         Wash hands frequently and thoroughly using soap, water or hand sanitizes, especially before eating or preparing it and after using the toilet.
·         Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands when you are outdoors.
·         Use tissue in front of your mouth to protect others when you cough or sneeze. Dispose after use and then wash your hands.
·         Cough or sneeze in your facility if tissue paper is not available.
·         Avoid direct contact with infected people (with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea) or their property.
·         Keep a good personal cleanliness.

Food and drink

·         Be careful when eating in food stalls. Avoid uncooked meat or unpasteurized milk (especially camel's milk).
·         Drink bottled water.
·         Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with pure water before consumption.
·         Only packaged foods or foods can be entered in small packages that can be easily checked into Saudi Arabia.

If you get sick on the trip

·         First aid kit is brought in sufficient quantities of regular medicines, treatment of diarrhea. It is recommended to take extra fluid to compensate for diarrhea caused by diarrhea and / or sweating. Oral rehydration salts are available from pharmacies.
·         If you feel sick during your stay, ask for help from the available health professionals.
·         Avoid mixing with people if you have diarrhea or flu-like symptoms to avoid spreading the disease to others.
·         You have a valid travel insurance.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

In 2012, a new type of Corona virus was discovered in the Middle East. The virus can cause acute respiratory infection called MERS. Older people or people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung, cancer, or a weakened immune system, can become a serious illness. In many cases, the virus has caused outbreaks in health institutions. Studies show that camels camel beauty is the source of the virus. The virus can spread among humans, mainly to those who are in close contact with infected patients. New cases are reported regularly from Saudi Arabia. In June 2017, there was a continuous outbreak of the Corona virus in a Riyadh hospital. There is an increased risk of infection with hospitalization in the area.
No travel restrictions have been imposed in countries where Corona virus cases are reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) is not advised not to travel to the region.
People with underlying medical conditions (such as chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems) are more likely to develop severe disease if they develop MERS. WHO recommends that they consult with a doctor before traveling to determine if they will be on pilgrimage, and that people with acute respiratory infections who have fever and cough should delay their journey? If someone is ill on the trip with significant respiratory symptoms, travel should be postponed to his or her native country

Avoid contact with animals, especially beauty

The source of infection for MERS is probably camel strings. Avoid contact with these animals when traveling to the Middle East. Avoid drinking milk or urine from beauty and do not eat raw meat. Other animals can be carriers so it is advisable to avoid general contact with animals.

Hygiene measurement

Good hygiene is an important preventive measure for yourself and others.

Vaccine

There is no vaccine or preventive medicine against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
If you get sick on your trip, consult your local medical staff. Avoid coughing on others and exercising good hygiene to avoid the spread of infection.

On your return

Hajj and Umrah can be physical exercise for many, and some people will suffer from stomach complaints or respiratory problems when they return. It is especially important to consult your doctor if you have symptoms of acute respiratory problems within two weeks of your arrival. Symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain and breathing difficulties. People with underlying medical conditions and who develop the disease after returning from the Middle East (not just pneumonia) should consult a doctor. Tell your doctor first and tell your doctor where and when you are traveling 

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