Hajj is a religious pilgrimage that is performed by Muslims once a year in the Holy month of Dhul Hajj in the city of Makkah. Muslims from all around the world gather in Makkah and perform Hajj. Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for Muslims who can afford it. However, when you visit a place where there are a lot of people around, you need to take care of your health. Moreover, Hajj in 2024 will fall in the summer so taking care of oneself in hot weather can be a great challenge. So, lets discuss all the health tips and let’s turn this article into Hajj 2024 health guide.
How to prepare for Hajj?
While preparing for Hajj, keep these points in your mind: Hajj preparations begin with compulsory vaccination. Next, you have to get a complete check-up so that you are fit for a long journey. Consume healthy diet so that during the journey, you have enough energy to cover long distances. Drink lots of water to stay fit. Do not eat or drink something that can cause you cough. Stay away from others so that you don’t catch an illness. Make yourself mentally ready so that you have a wonderful journey. Lastly, eat well, sleep well so that when you start your spiritual journey enthusiastically.
What are the health troubles that can occur during hajj?
Performing hajj brings you close to almost 3 million people. This increases the chance of infection and the spread of germs. So the first point of staying fit for Hajj 2024 is getting a vaccination against meningitis and meningococcal. The government of Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for all the pilgrims.
One can also get the vaccination against pneumonia, tetanus and hepatitis A and B to stay safe from these illnesses.
Now let’s have a look at the health troubles one can face during Hajj:
Heatstroke
When Hajj happens in summer, then the risk of heat stroke is higher. Heatstroke is a heat related illness and the body’s temperature rises rapidly. It’s symptoms include:
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Body temperature above 103°
- Red, dry skin
- Strong pulse
- Fainting.
These are it’s symptoms. It is a serious medical condition so for preventing heatstroke during Hajj 2024 one must follow the following points:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent heatstroke.
- Find cool places or air-conditioned areas like malls and shops to bring down body temperature.
- Walk in shade or not in direct sunlight.
- Apply sunscreen when outside.
Food poisoning:
Food poisoning is one of the next commons issues one can face while on the pilgrimage. This is because there are plenty of options like restaurants and local vendors who offer food for the pilgrims. These are the symptoms of food poisoning:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Essential health tips for a healthy Hajj 2024:
These are a few tips to enjoy a healthy Hajj. You must follow these tips to stay in a good health during Hajj days:
Physical exertion:
Hajj is a laborious job as you have to cover long distances on foot. So walk daily so that your body gets used to it and you don’t have to struggle during hajj.
Practice Hygiene:
It is necessary to stay clean so that you don’t catch an illness. Use sanitizer regularly during hajj when you shake hands with people. Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing. Moreover, avoid sharing water bottles and towels and also to stay safe avoid hugging and handshake.
So, this is all about managing pre-existing health conditions for Hajj 2024. The main point is cleanliness and following the precautionary measures. However, in a place packed with people, all we can do is be cautious. Lastly, when you’re healthy, you’ll be able to enjoy your Hajj journey from USA to the fullest.