Festival survival – stay healthy this summer

This summer festival season, Hampshire County Council is urging festival goers to spare a thought for staying healthy during their weekend.

Councillor Judith Grajewski, Executive Member for Public Health at the local authority, said: “Going to a summer festival is great time to let your hair down and relax but some advance planning will allow you to enjoy your experience to the full. Being in the great outdoors mixing with huge crowds and sharing communal facilities – it makes sense to be prepared so that nothing spoils your fun.”

Top tips for festival health:

• Make sure you’ve had your MMR vaccination. Measles spreads fast in close mixing environments such as festivals. Recent outbreaks, especially in Europe, have seen cases rise. Check with your GP if you are unsure about your vaccination status;
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water – take a refillable bottle to top up at water stations;
• Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat – sun safety is critical for a good festival experience;
• Remember that all drugs are potentially dangerous. The only way to stay safe is not to take drugs at all. You don’t know the strength and purity of what you might be taking or how your body will react – you won’t know what it is just by looking at it. Know where to find medical attention, and if you or someone you are with becomes unwell from taking drugs, be honest with medics and welfare teams about what you have consumed – so they know how best to help you.
• Know your alcohol limits, alcohol can make you vulnerable to theft and assault. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, never leave drinks unattended and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know. It’s difficult to keep count of units at a festival – find more advice for pacing yourself atOne You
• Take an antibacterial handwash and use frequently. Nothing spoils your festival weekend more than a tummy bug;
• Camping stoves and BBQs pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and should never be brought into your tent or awning, even in cold or wet weather. The colourless, odourless gas is given off even hours after a BBQ has stopped smoking.
• Look after your friends and those around you. If someone is unwell, seek medical assistance by dialling 111 or take them to the festival medical centre. In an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured or if their life is at risk, dial 999.

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