Diseases transmitted among crowds… What should pilgrims pay attention to? | health

Respiratory infections are classified as the most common health problem that pilgrims complain of. Cases of influenza, tuberculosis, and whooping cough have been recorded in the various Hajj seasons. Cases of colds, known as the common cold, have also been recorded among pilgrims (colds are classified as one of the most common respiratory diseases among pilgrims), sinusitis, and pharyngitis.

The elderly or people suffering from chronic diseases have a higher rate of developing more serious types of infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. In general, rhinoviruses, which are responsible for the common cold, are classified as the most common viruses among pilgrims, followed by influenza viruses, then coronaviruses.

Infectious diseases

Influenza is the most common type of upper respiratory infection during the Hajj season, as it facilitates the transmission of infectious diseases among crowds, and the speed of air travel to Mecca from various countries of the world is a factor that contributes to the spread of infectious diseases (such as influenza, Covid-19, and others), as some pilgrims can become infected before traveling without showing any symptoms, due to the incubation period of the virus being incomplete, so the appearance of symptoms is delayed by a few days when the pilgrim has reached his destination, Saudi Arabia, which increases the possibility of transmission. Infection of uninfected people.

MERS infection (MERS-CoV) – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – caused by one of the strains of Coronavirus is also widespread, and the possibility of its transmission increases between people in crowded places or due to direct contact with animals, specifically camels. Pilgrims also suffer from some infectious diseases transmitted through contaminated water or food among pilgrims coinciding with their infection with influenza, causing problems in the digestive system that result in diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

The spread of respiratory diseases is due to overcrowding and overcrowding during Hajj, in addition to stress and sometimes exposure to the sun for long periods, making the body more vulnerable to various health problems.

This enhances the ability of viruses to spread easily through air droplets between infected and uninfected people crowded together, prompted by sneezing and coughing, the most common symptoms of upper respiratory illness.

Health tips to avoid respiratory infections during Hajj

International and national health organizations (specific to each country) have unanimously agreed to take a set of measures that will reduce possible cases of infection among pilgrims, the most prominent of which are:

• Make sure to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine 10 days before the start of the Hajj season, according to what was recently published by the Saudi Public Health Authority regarding the health requirements and guidelines for performing Hajj rituals for the current year (1447 AH / 2026 AD).
  A study conducted by researchers from Malaysia on a sample of pilgrims of 820 patients and 600 people in the control group – for the purpose of comparison – showed the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in reducing the rate of medical visits during Hajj due to influenza-like symptoms by 77%, and the need to use antibiotics decreased by 66%. Heart and lung patients are specifically recommended to obtain the seasonal influenza vaccine, in addition to pregnant women and children under the age of 5, and the elderly over the age of 65.
• Receiving the Covid-19 vaccine 10 days before the Hajj season, especially for those over the age of 65, or those with chronic diseases, such as heart disease, respiratory system, chronic kidney failure, hereditary blood diseases, weak immunity caused by cancer medications or constitutional weak immunity (since birth), or chronic nervous system diseases, according to the Saudi Public Health Authority as well.
• Paying attention to personal hygiene, by washing hands with soap and water, or using sterilizing materials after sneezing or coughing, or after using the bathroom, or after eating food, or touching animals, according to a survey conducted in 2009 and published in 2021 in the Journal of Travel Medicine on a sample of pilgrims before they travel to perform Hajj and after their return, it was found that washing and sterilizing hands constantly with a substance containing alcohol (Due to its ability to eliminate bacteria as well as viruses) it was one of the best and most effective methods of prevention against infectious respiratory diseases such as influenza, for example.
• Wearing masks in crowded places. A systematic review of 10 studies published between 2002 and 2021 for different Hajj seasons, and the results of which were published in 2024 by researchers from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, showed that continuing to wear a mask most of the time while performing Hajj rituals contributed to reducing the risk of respiratory infections more than intermittent use.
• Make sure to rest and drink sufficient amounts of water when suffering from a cold. It is also recommended to gargle with warm saline solution, take analgesics such as acetaminophen, and avoid eating spicy foods.
• Avoid contact with people who show symptoms of an infectious disease, and only use personal tools and do not share them with anyone.
• Avoid direct contact with animals, such as camels in markets, barns, or farms.
• Use modern technical medical consultation services remotely, as some programs and applications enable pilgrims to obtain immediate medical advice without the need to go to a medical center or hospital, which contributes to early detection of possible complications and their immediate treatment.

To avoid gastrointestinal infections:

• Avoid drinking unboiled camel milk.
• Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Avoid cooked foods exposed or stored outside the refrigerator.
• Make sure to cook food well and store it at appropriate temperatures, and avoid raw or undercooked meat, or foods stored in containers that appear swollen or broken, or that have an undesirable odor.