Source: www.hajjumrah.pk

Each year more than 25,000 British Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj, a ten day ritual which is due to start between 25-30 November.

This is an extremely important event in the Islamic religious calendar. So we have put together some top tips to ensure that any pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina this year, can do so without the worry of contracting a food related illness or coming down with swine flu:

• All visitors should carry disinfectant gels and/or tissues, which should be used often especially for use after handling items or objects in public areas.
• If possible, minimize the amount of time spent in large congregations, as swine flu and Norovirus are both airborne bacteria. If necessary wear masks when in large congregations, which is inevitable during prayer time and carrying out the ritual of Hajj.
• Visiting UK pilgrims should consult their doctor prior to their visit for any required vaccinations and perhaps precautionary medicine to be supplied, such as TAMIFLU.
• Consume sufficient amounts of water to avoid experiencing dehydration during the conduction of the Hajj Rituals. Despite it being winter, the weather can still be rather warm.
• Pilgrims should only use bottled water purchased from approved and appropriate suppliers and avoid any drinks with ice.
• Do not purchase or consume food from unknown local shops or street vehicles and only rely on food and drinks sourced from the hotel accommodation and appropriate large chain super markets.
• While it is part of the ritual to wash your hands before prayer, we would recommend washing your hands as often as possible.
• If you are unlucky enough to become ill, showing symptoms of a high temperature and other gastric related symptoms, then isolate yourself for at least for four days.