Falling ill during Hajj
With millions of people together, respiratory infections and stomach complaints spread quickly. Most complaints are mild and pass on their own. This page helps you distinguish what you can handle yourself and when to seek help.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
The most common complaints during Hajj are cough and cold, diarrhoea, blisters and exhaustion from heat. Treat mild complaints yourself with rest, fluids and your travel kit. Seek help immediately with persistent high fever, breathlessness, confusion, blood in the stool or a wound that will not heal.
Planning your vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
Cough and cold
Respiratory complaints affect almost every pilgrim. Washing hands, wearing a mask in very busy spaces, getting enough sleep and not sharing cups or towels reduce the risk. With persistent fever above 38.5 degrees, breathlessness or chest pain, seek medical help.
Diarrhoea and stomach complaints
- Drink plenty, preferably with oral rehydration salts
- Eat easily digestible food and avoid raw produce and ice of unknown origin
- Use an anti-diarrhoeal only briefly and not with fever or blood in the stool
- Seek help with persistent vomiting, high fever or signs of dehydration
Where to get help
Medical posts and field hospitals staffed around the clock during the Hajj season are located at and around the holy sites, including in Mina, at Arafat and near the Haram. Your travel organiser or group guide knows where the nearest post is. Bring your medication overview and your international vaccination certificate.
Make sure you have travel insurance covering medical costs abroad and keep your insurer's emergency number with you.
Seek immediate help with
- Breathlessness or chest pain
- Confusion, fainting or skin that no longer sweats in the heat
- Persistent high fever
- Blood in the stool or severe vomiting
- A wound that becomes red, warm and painful
After returning home
If you develop fever, a persistent cough or diarrhoea within a few weeks of returning, contact your GP and mention that you performed Hajj. That helps in reaching the right diagnosis.
Information about registration and packages is based on the official Nusuk Hajj platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Registration and payment take place there only; DKliniek provides the medical preparation.
Official sources
- hajj.nusuk.sa — Official registration and packages
- haj.gov.sa — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- visa.mofa.gov.sa — Saudi visa information
- lcr.nl — Dutch national travel health centre
- who.int — World Health Organization
Discuss your situation with a practitioner
With pregnancy, a chronic condition or medication, we look at what is safe for you before vaccinating. Book an appointment or call us; we will go through it together.
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
- Groups and families vaccinated in one session
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
Heat during Hajj
How to protect yourself against heat during Hajj in Mecca, Mina and at Arafat: drinking, cooling, clothing, warning signs and what to do in case of heat stroke.
Staying healthy during Hajj
Practical advice for Hajj: coping with heat and dehydration, respiratory complaints in crowds, foot care, bringing medication and when to seek help.
Bringing medication to Saudi Arabia
Which rules apply to medication for Hajj: quantities, original packaging, English medication list, a statement for restricted medicines and what to pack in your travel kit.