Travellers

Health Information Sheet

Updated June 2011

Festival Travel Health

  • Emergency medical care and insurance
  • Get comprehensive travel medical insurance if you are going abroad.
  • In Europe, carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as well as your insurance details.
  • Check out first aid and drug support services when you arrive – you might need them in a hurry.

Safety

  • If you are going to an overseas festival, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website’s country specific security advice before you go.
  • Respect your destination’s culture.
  • Register with the FCO’s LOCATE service.
  • Try to avoid hostile and confrontational situations.
  • Be aware of your personal safety. Sexual assault is a risk, particularly for women.
  • Take care when swimming: never dive into unfamiliar water, including swimming pools, avoid swimming at night or after drinking alcohol/taking drugs

Jabs - including measles risk

  • If you are going abroad, discuss your travel plans with your doctor, practice nurse or travel clinic at least six weeks before you go.
  • Check NaTHNaC’s Country Information Pages for health advice for specific countries.

  • Measles vaccination with MMR is recommended for travellers who have no history of natural infection or who have not received two doses of a measles containing vaccine.

Malaria

  • If you are going abroad, discuss your travel plans with your doctor, practice nurse or travel clinic at least six weeks before you go.
  • Check NaTHNaC’s Country Information Pages for health advice for specific countries.

Alcohol

  • Avoid excessive alcohol, drinking all day, or drinking competitions and games
  • Do not drink illegal home brewed alcohol – it may be tainted.
  • Never leave drinks unattended or let strangers buy you drinks.
  • Do not mix your drinks.
  • Never drink and drive.                     

Insect bites

  • Avoid insect bites by using repellents, wearing protective clothing, sleeping in screened accommodation or under a mosquito net.
  • Check NaTHNaC’s Country Information Pages for specific advice on malaria and other infections spread by insects at your destination.

Drugs

  • Drugs are often mixed with other, sometimes poisonous, substances. You may not be buying what you think you are.
  • Drugs can make you behave in an abnormal, dangerous way.
  • So called: ‘legal highs’ have been linked to dangerous side effects and can actually contain illicit drugs.
  • Try not to feel pressurised into taking drugs.
  • Dealing or using illegal drugs is against the law.
  • Many countries have much tougher drug laws than the UK, some punishable by prolonged jail terms or death.

Unpredictable and potentially life-threatening effects from drugs include:

  • Dangerously low levels of salt in your blood.
  • Depression.
  • Excessive body temperature.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Paranoia, psychosis.
  • Violence.  

If you choose to use drugs, take the following precautions:

  • Know what you and your friends have taken, so that the correct medical help can be given if needed.
  • Ecstasy can make your body overheat dangerously.
  • Never drive under the influence of drugs; it is illegal and dangerous.
  • Dispose of needles and syringes safely, so that they are not a risk to others.
  • In an emergency, get urgent help from the on-site medical team.

Food poisoning

  • Food and water hygiene may be poor at large events.
  • Toilet facilities are usually basic and can deteriorate quickly, especially at very crowded events and in bad weather. 
  • Follow good food, water and personal hygiene advice.

Injuries

  • Reduce your risk of being burned: take care with fires and barbeques, never smoke in bed or use open flames near tents.
  • Make sure you know fire escape routes.
  • Avoid jumping off the stage, crowd surfing (being passed around the crowd, above everyone’s heads) and violent dancing (sometimes called slam dancing or moshing).
  • Remember crowds can suddenly surge or stampede.

Noise

  • Extreme noise levels can damage your hearing, with the risk increasing as noise gets louder.
  • Reduce your risk by taking regular breaks from very loud bands/DJs and using earplugs.

Sexual health

  • Avoid casual sex: remember alcohol and drugs lower inhibitions.
  • Never have unprotected sex.
  • Carry in-date, good quality condoms.
  • Remember emergency contraception like the “morning after” pill, can be difficult to obtain or completely unavailable in some countries. Advice about contraception abroad is available from the Marie Stopes website

Tattoos and body piercing

  • Tattoos, body piercing and injecting drugs should be avoided due to the risk of blood-borne infections, including HIV, hepatitis B & hepatitis C. 

Weather

  • Be prepared for extremes of weather and dress appropriately. 
  • Keep warm and dry in wet weather. Exposure to cold can make your body temperature dangerously low (hypothermia).
  • Temperature can drop significantly at night, even in very hot countries.
  • Avoid overheating. Drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather and if you are very active.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with high factor sun cream, clothes, sunglasses and a hat.

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