Umrah

Health Awareness Guide for Umrah and Visit

Emirates Health Services has been keen to prepare this awareness guide, which includes a set of health instructions and precautionary measures that Umrah performers and visitors must abide by in order to enable them to perform Umrah and Visit in a healthy and safe environment before and during performing the rituals of Umrah and Visits, in addition to protecting the health and safety of community members upon returning from Umrah.

Before Umrah and Visit

• Taking vaccination before Umrah and visit is necessary to prevent some infectious diseases.
• Vaccinations must be taken at least 10 days before the date of travel so that the body can obtain the necessary immunity against diseases.
• All vaccination services for Umrah performers and visitors are available in Primary Healthcare Centers and Public Health Centers under Emirates Health Services.
• The mandatory vaccinations for this year's Umrah and visit include:
  • Meningococcal vaccine
  • Seasonal Influenza vaccine
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (if the Umrah performer/visitor’s age is 65 years or more, or if the Umrah performer/visitor’s age is 19 years or more and suffers from a chronic disease)
• Other recommended vaccinations: COVID-19 vaccine

First Aid Bag

You should prepare your first aid kit before Umrah and visit in case of emergency situations. It is important that your first aid kit contains the following depending on your needs:

• Chronic disease medications with prescription
• Skin ointments for insect bites, cuts, and sunburn
• Painkillers
• Antipyretic drugs
• Antispasmodics/abdominal colic medications
• Face masks
• Muscle spasm medications
• Glucometer
• Blood pressure monitor
• Thermometer
• Common cold medications and vitamin C tablets

During Umrah or Visit

• Precautionary Measures During Umrah and Visit:
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, utensils, or prayer mats.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth with unclean hands.
  • If you feel unwell, make sure you seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
• General Guidelines for Personal Hygiene:
• Oral and dental hygiene.
• Wear clean clothes to avoid abrasions.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet.
• Wash your hands before and after eating food.

Dehydration During Umrah or Visit

• It occurs when the amount of water the body gets is less than the amount lost through:
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive urination
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Symptoms: Extreme thirst, feeling tired, heart palpitations, dry mouth, lips, and eyes, and noticing dark yellow urine.
• Treatment:
• Drink replacement fluids.
• Intravenous fluids may be prescribed in some cases.

Heatstroke During Umrah or Visit

• Causes: Exposure to high temperatures and humidity or significant physical stress.
• Symptoms: Rise in body temperature above 40°C, delirium, convulsions, coma.
• Prevention:
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use light-colored umbrellas.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
• Treatment:
• Move the affected person to a cool place.
• Remove outer clothing and cool the body with water, especially the head and neck area.
• Expose the affected person to an air source such as an air conditioner or fan.
• Give fluids.
• Request emergency services and go to the nearest health facility.

Skin Abrasions During Umrah or Visit

• Common in areas like folds of thighs, armpits, under breasts, especially among those who are obese, overweight, or diabetic.
• Prevention:
• Good ventilation of folds of the body, such as the upper thighs and armpits.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene and use appropriate ointments on the body before walking.
• Sprinkle baby powder after sweating.
• Keep the area dry and wear cotton clothing to prevent friction.

Foot Care During Umrah or Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Wash feet regularly and keep them clean and dry.
• Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
• Check your feet daily for injuries.
• Take breaks to rest your feet.

Healthy Nutrition During Umrah or Visit

• Choose a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups.
• Divide the amount of food into 3 main meals and 2 snacks.
• Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
• Avoid undercooked or raw foods, and drink only clean water.
• Choose healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
• Avoid street vendor food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.

Food Poisoning Prevention During Umrah or Visit

• Wash hands before and after preparing or eating food.
• Check food expiration dates.
• Choose clean, well-cooked food, and avoid uncovered foods.
• Avoid eating raw meat and undercooked seafood.
• Drink bottled water and avoid tap water and ice cubes.

The Health of the Respiratory System During Umrah or Visit

• Avoid close contact with patients with respiratory symptoms.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms.
• Avoid direct exposure to cold air from air conditioners.
• Avoid drinking very cold water.
• Wash hands regularly.

Precautions While Cutting Hair

• Use properly clean and sterilized tools.
• Wear disposable gloves.
• Use one scissor or razor per person and avoid sharing tools.
• Disinfect tools before and after use.