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Hajj in the Shadow of COVID-19 Pandemic

It is essential to maintain your health during Hajj to stay focused on your primary goal of worship. Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare experts provide top tips to help you prepare and minimize your chance of illness.

Prevention of heat-related illness

Hajj this year falls in the summer season. Accordingly, pilgrims must be mindful of their protection from heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke occur when the body is exposed to high temperatures or the sun for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms of heat illness range from skin irritation in skin rash cases, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and seizures in cases of heatstroke. Ignoring early heat illnesses’ signs may lead to developing heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency. To avoid heat-related illnesses, one should:

• Avoid being exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Make sure to drink adequate amounts of water and fluids
• Avoid performing Tawaf and Sa`y during noontime
• If you are traveling in your car, allow time for it to cool down before driving
• Make sure to use an umbrella in case you need to go out at noon

Sunburns

Sun exposure for long periods causes sunburns. Symptoms of sunburns include but are not limited to redness, swelling of the skin, pain, blisters, fever, chills, and fainting. When exposed to severe sunburns, the person should seek immediate medical help. To prevent sunburns, try the following:

• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreens
• Use an umbrella to protect your skin from sun rays

Foot problems during Hajj

Foot problems are a common concern during Hajj. Pilgrims may need to walk for long distances during the performance of the Hajj rituals. Friction resulting from walking may cause foot blisters, and the situation may worsen if you wear the wrong shoes. Once feet become blistered, it is hard to walk on them until blisters have healed. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

How can you avoid foot injuries and complications during Hajj? And how can you choose the right shoes to prevent or minimize foot problems?

• Choose the appropriate size shoes so that they are not narrow or wide to avoid friction with the skin and the accumulation of fluids under the upper skin layer
• Ensure that the shoe protects the foot from the front and back, and avoid open shoes
• Avoid shoes with a flat design and those made of poor materials, as this year’s Hajj coincides with the summer season, which increases the chance of getting foot blisters
• Avoid standing and walking for long hours and use transportation instead of walking
• Avoid walking barefoot
• Keep your feet clean and dry

Dehydration

Why is dehydration one of the most common health problems during the Hajj season?

Staying hydrated is a key element to maintain health. The nature of the Hajj calls for long walks or prolonged exposure to the sun. When exposed to the sun or the hot weather, the body sweats to cool itself—excessive sweating results in dehydration.

How to prevent dehydration?

You can avoid dehydration by drinking enough fluids. The recommended amount of water that the body needs is equivalent to eight glasses of water per day. It is advised to increase this amount in case of fluid loss through sweating or in the event of diarrhea and vomiting.

How to Avoid digestive problems?

• Avoid foods prepared under unhygienic conditions
• Stick to your meals' regular schedule to avoid indigestion
• In case of diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and avoid sun exposure to prevent dehydration
• Follow good personal hygiene; always wash your hands before and after eating and after using the restroom
• Eat to boost your energy and support your immune system. Fruits and vegetables are some of the most essential sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support the immune system.

What to take with you?

When you prepare your bag for Hajj in advance, you need to make sure the following necessary items are packed:

• Hand sanitizer
• Pain reliever and antipyretic
• Analgesic creams for muscle injury
• Sunblock cream or lotion
• Skin moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out
• Personal care items such as scissors and nail clippers