The festival goers’ guide to good health

Health Protection
The festival goers’ guide to good health

Outdoor festivals are a time to celebrate and enjoy the summer. However, the relaxed mood can lead to festival goers becoming a little too relaxed and putting themselves and others at risk. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to follow some simple tips while at festivals this month.

  1. Keep an eye on how much you are drinking – Be smart; don't drink on an empty stomach and keep hydrated.
  2. Never mix alcohol with drugs, including prescription drugs – the reality is that festivals can be risky environments and therefore the adverse effects of alcohol and drugs can have greater consequences, so take care.
  3. Be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – Never take a gas stove or barbecue inside a tent or caravan. Campers can quickly be overcome by CO in an enclosed space. CO is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas that is non-irritating, and, as a result, can be very hard to detect. There is also a risk of fire/burns from moving a lit stove or barbecue.
  4. Be sun aware – Being outdoors all day at festivals can put your skin at risk from sun damage. It is therefore vitally important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourselves in the sun by covering up and avoiding the sun when at its strongest.
  5. Remember your hand hygiene – To reduce the risk of illness, everyone should thoroughly wash their hands using soap and water after they use the toilet and before eating or drinking. Antibacterial hand gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water. However, using such gels after hand washing with soap and water may further reduce the risk of picking up infections.
  6. Practice safer sex – During the party atmosphere inhibitions can be lower than usual. The PHA is reminding those who are sexually active to protect their sexual health, and that of their partner, by using condoms. For information or advice on STIs, or to discuss any sexual health issue, contact your local GUM clinic or your GP.
  7. Don’t let food poisoning ruin your festival – If you are barbecuing ensure that the meat is fully cooked and piping hot, particularly poultry, as this will kill off any bacteria.
  8. Finally – Remember to stay with your friends and to take care of one another.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a great and fun-filled festival. For more information on any of the above please visit www.publichealth.hscni.net