Festival health and safety

As the festival season gets under way, the UK’s top website for health has published an online guide for festival goers. It offers advice and tips on how best to stay safe and healthy this summer.

NHS Choices top 10 tips for festival health:

1. Stay clean – reduce your risk of picking up nasty germs and spreading disease by washing your hands regularly and using antibacterial gel.

2. Stay connected – mobile reception can be unreliable at festivals, set a pre-arranged meeting place so you don’t lose your friends.

3. Keep your medication safe – if you take medication, make sure you take it with you and store it safely.

4. Stay hydrated – always drink plenty of water. The combination of sun, dancing, and alcohol can leave you feeling dizzy, and dehydrated.

5. Sex – Stay safe and use a condom to prevent STIs and pregnancy. If you need emergency contraception, go to the festival medical centre.

6. Keep feet dry – to prevent fungal infections, give your feet a break from damp warm wellies and change your socks regularly.

7. Give your ears a break – speakers around stages can reach 110 decibels according to the RNID. So if you do get close to speakers, wear ear plugs.

8. Be sensible in the sun – don’t forget to wear sunscreen, drink water and keep covered up to prevent, sunburn and sunstroke.

9. Drink sensibly – stick within your recommended limits, and drink plenty of water to avoid a nasty hangover.

10. Know where your medical centre is – when you arrive on site find out where your nearest medical centre is so that if you have an accident you can seek help quickly.