Football fans issued urgent health warning as Euro 2024 kicks off
EURO 2024 kicks off tonight.
Thousands will already be in Germany, tickets in hand, gearing up for the four-week sporting spectacle.
But if you’re enjoying any of the 51 games slightly closer to home, you’re probably also raring to go.
Beer is likely chilling in the fridge, cupboards are bursting with snacks, and you’ve got a table booked at your local pub or big screen.
Wherever you’re cheering your team on from, German officials, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have issued some serious health warnings to all football fans.
Michaela Goecke, from the German Federal Centre for Health Education, said: “This year’s UEFA Euro 2024 finals in Germany are a wonderful opportunity for people from all over the world to enjoy football and celebrate together.
“With a few simple rules, people can protect themselves and stay healthy.
“I am pleased that together with WHO and ECDC, we have developed sound public health advice, which is very useful for all sports fans.
“Take care and have fun watching the games.”
Vaccination
Are you up to date with all your jabs?
Covid might seem like a thing of the past, but the virus is still circulating and being fully vaccinated will help stop you falling seriously sick – particularly if you’re joining 70,000 other fans in a stadium or cramming into a packed pub.
The WHO said: “The emergency phase of Covid-19 is over, but the
virus continues to spread and endanger people’s lives,
particularly those who are older, have chronic diseases, are
immunocompromised or pregnant.
“Vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness and death.
“If you are at risk of severe Covid-19, check your vaccination status and consult with your health-care provider for any needed doses.”
Depending on factors like your age, where you live and any underlying health conditions, you may also need jabs against measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio or other diseases.
Sun exposure and heat
Temperatures are expected to hover around the low 20s for the first few matches in Germany – so not exactly scorching – but this could well rise over the four weeks of the tournament.
It can reach 30C-plus in the country in July, so be prepared.
The WHO said: “High temperatures can be expected this summer in Germany, which can pose serious health risks.
“Extended sun and heat exposure can lead to an increase in severe heat- and ultraviolet (UV) radiation-related illnesses and, in extreme cases, may prove fatal.”
Even if you’re in Britain, you should take care.
It’s easy to forget the dangers of the sun when you’re enjoying the games in beer gardens – especially if there’s a breeze.
Wherever you are, remember:
- Keep out of the heat where possible (stay in the shade and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest time of day, do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles, and spend two to three hours of the day in a cool place)
- Keep your body cool and use sunscreen (wear loose-fitting, light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and always use SPF30 or higher)
- Stay hydrated (drink around two to three litres of fluid throughout the day during hot weather, avoid alcohol and limit caffeine and sugar)
- Eat lightly (avoid large meals and choose foods that are fresh and cool like fruits, vegetables, and salads)
- Check your medication (consult your doctor before travelling to verify its heat tolerance and follow storage instructions)
“Take these precautions seriously to avoid heat-related health issues,” officials said.
“While taking care of yourself, remember to check on your family and friends who are with you.”
Water and food safety
Thankfully, tap water in Germany and the UK is safe to drink.
But warm weather can make food unsafe as it causes bacteria to multiply.
The WHO said: “Some foodborne illnesses are mild and resolve
within days, but others can be severe or even fatal.”
To prevent illness transmitted through food:
- Eat food that is thoroughly cooked, and wash fruit and vegetables
- Avoid consuming cooked or perishable food that has been kept at room temperature for more than two hours
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before touching food and after going to the toilet
Tick-borne diseases
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans.
They are most active from April to September – so unfortunately, they will be around during the Euros.
Typically, they’re found in forests, but they can also be in city parks, gardens and backyards.
“This means anywhere you might be enjoying football matches or surrounding festivities,” the WHO said.
Ticks can transmit diseases that can cause “severe chronic conditions or even death”. This includes Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
To reduce your risk of being bitten by ticks:
- Avoid walking in wooded and bushy areas
- Wear light-coloured long sleeves and long trousers, and tuck your trousers into your socks
- Use insect repellent
- Regularly check clothes and skin for ticks
Viruses
Everyone is at risk of catching Covid, but some people are more likely to become severely ill, officials warn.
This includes older people, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and those living with chronic conditions.
“Mask-wearing and physical distancing are recommended
during periods of high virus circulation for certain settings and
at-risk groups,” the WHO said.
Other viruses circulating Europe include measles and whooping cough.
Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing and stay at home if you’re unwell.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue, nicknamed ‘breakbone fever’, have also become “established” in Germany.
Alcohol, smoking and drugs
Alcohol
When your team has won, you’re going to want to go out and celebrate – but do so responsibly, officials say.
“While small quantities of alcohol can have a stimulating effect, overall it slows down brain activity,” the WHO said.
“At higher doses, it can lead to disturbances in perception and attention; judgement, coordination and speech may become increasingly impaired.
“In hot weather, such as in Germany during the summer, consuming alcohol can lead to increased circulation problems, loss of consciousness and even a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
“For your health and safety, less alcohol is better, none is best.”
Tobacco
The same caution should be applied to smoking, the organisation added.
“Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke pose serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and increased cancer risk,” it said.
“Quitting smoking is the single best way to protect your health and the health of those around you.”
Cannabis
Adults in Germany can legally consume cannabis, with a limit up to 25g for personal possession in public.
But it can cause hallucinations, memory impairment and increased risk-taking, the WHO warns.
“Adverse reactions such as panic attacks and rapid heartbeat can occur,” it added.
“Long-term use may lead to learning deficits and memory issues, especially in young people under 25, as the brain is particularly vulnerable to tetrahydrocannabinol-related damage.”
It is illegal to possess, grow, distribute and sell cannabis in the UK.
STIs
Whether you’re in Germany, England or anywhere else, experts say you need to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The most common across Europe include chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
Other infections like HIV, viral hepatitis and mpox can also be
transmitted during sex.
If left untreated, STIs and mpox can lead to serious health issues, and HIV requires lifelong treatment.
The best way to protect yourself is to use condoms and be aware of the symptoms of the conditions, the WHO said.
STIs and mpox may have no symptoms, but common signs include unusual discharge from genitals or the rectum, itching, pain during urination, rectal pain, skin changes including rashes, blister-like lesions, yellowing of the skin, pain during sex or influenza-like symptoms.
If you notice any signs of an STI or mpox, see a healthcare provider, sexual health clinic or community organisation promptly.
“Early detection makes treatment easier and prevents transmission to others.”
Gundo Weiler, WHO/Europe’s acting Regional Emergency Director, said: “Attending UEFA matches wherever they are held is an exciting experience, but sports fans should not forget to stay healthy.
“Our joint advice reminds them to hydrate, practise good hygiene, prevent illnesses and be aware of local health advisories.
“Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, including for measles and Covid-19. Enjoy the games safely!”
