EURO 2024 starts tonight.
Thousands of people will already be in Germany, tickets in hand, preparing for the four-week sporting spectacle.
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But if you’re enjoying any of the 51 games a little closer to home, you’re probably eager to play too.
The beer is probably chilling in the fridge, the cupboards are full of snacks and you have a table reserved at the local pub or on the big screen.
Wherever you are supporting your team, German authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have issued some serious health warnings for all football fans.
Michaela Goecke from the German Federal Center for Health Education said: “This year’s UEFA Euro 2024 finals in Germany is 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 the WHO and ECDC, we have developed solid 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 may seem like a thing of the past, but the virus is still circulating and being fully vaccinated will help prevent you from becoming seriously ill – especially if you’re joining 70,000 other fans in a stadium or cramming into a crowded pub.
The WHO said: “The Covid-19 emergency phase is over, but the
the virus continues to spread and put people’s lives at risk,
particularly those who are older, have chronic illnesses, are
immunocompromised or pregnant.
“Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death.
“If you are at risk of severe Covid-19, check your vaccination status and see your doctor to get the doses you need.”
Depending on factors such as your age, where you live and any underlying health conditions, you may also need vaccines against measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio or other diseases.
Sun exposure and heat
Temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees for the first few games in Germany – so not exactly scorching – but that could well rise over the four weeks of the tournament.
It can reach over 30ºC in the country in July, so be prepared.
The WHO said: “High temperatures can be expected this summer in Germany, which could pose serious health risks.
“Prolonged exposure to sun and heat can lead to an increase in serious illnesses related to heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.”
Even if you are in Great Britain, you should be careful.
It’s easy to forget the dangers of the sun when you’re enjoying beer garden games – especially if it’s windy.
Wherever you are, remember:
- Stay out of the heat whenever possible (stay in the shade and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day, don’t leave children or pets in parked vehicles, and spend two to three hours a day in a cool place)
- Keep your body cool and use sunscreen (wear light, loose clothing, a hat and sunglasses and always use SPF 30 or higher)
- Stay hydrated (drink about two to three liters of fluids throughout the day during hot weather, avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine and sugar)
- Eat light foods (avoid large meals and choose fresh, fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables and salads)
- Check your medication (consult your doctor before traveling to check your heat tolerance and follow storage instructions)
“Take these precautions seriously to avoid heat-related health problems,” officials said.
“When taking care of yourself, remember to check in on your family and friends who are with you.”
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Water and food safety
Fortunately, tap water in Germany and the UK is safe to drink.
But hot weather can make food unsafe because it causes bacteria to multiply.
The WHO said: “Some foodborne illnesses are mild and go away
in a few days, but others can be serious or even fatal.”
To prevent foodborne illnesses:
- Eat well-cooked foods and wash fruits and vegetables
- Avoid consuming cooked or perishable foods that have been kept at room temperature for more than two hours
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before touching food and after going to the bathroom
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 available during the Euros.
Typically, they are found in forests, but they can also be in city parks, gardens, and backyards.
“This means anywhere you can watch football matches or surrounding festivities,” the WHO said.
Ticks can transmit diseases that can cause “serious 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 long sleeves and long pants in light colors and tuck the pants into your socks
- Use insect repellent
- Regularly check clothing and skin for ticks
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Virus
Everyone is at risk of contracting Covid, but some people are more likely to become seriously ill, authorities warn.
This includes the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and people living with chronic illnesses.
“Wearing a mask and physical distancing are recommended
during periods of high virus circulation in certain environments and
risk groups”, said the WHO.
Other viruses circulating in Europe include measles and whooping cough.
Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing and stay home if you are unwell.
The mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever, nicknamed “breakbone fever”, have also “established themselves” in Germany.
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Alcohol, smoking and drugs
Alcohol
When your team wins, you’ll want to go out and celebrate — but do so responsibly, officials say.
“Although small amounts of alcohol can have a stimulating effect, in general it slows brain activity,” the WHO said.
“In higher doses, it can lead to disturbances in perception and attention; judgment, coordination and speech can become increasingly impaired.
“In hot climates, such as Germany during the summer, alcohol consumption 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, nothing is better.”
Tobacco
The same caution should be applied to smoking, the organization added.
“Tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke pose serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and an increased risk of cancer,” he said.
“Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your health and the health of those around you.”
Cannabis
Adults in Germany can legally consume cannabis, with a limit of up to 25g for personal possession in public.
But it can cause hallucinations, memory impairment and increased risk-taking, warns the WHO.
“Adverse reactions such as panic attacks and tachycardia may occur,” he added.
“Long-term use can lead to learning deficits and memory problems, especially in young people under 25, as the brain is particularly vulnerable to tetrahydrocannabinol-related damage.”
It is illegal to possess, cultivate, distribute and sell cannabis in the UK.
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STDs
Whether you’re in Germany, England or elsewhere, experts say you need to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The most common across Europe include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
Other infections such as HIV, viral hepatitis and mpox can also be
transmitted during sex.
If left untreated, STIs and mpox can cause serious health problems and HIV requires lifelong treatment.
The best way to protect yourself is to use a condom and be aware of the symptoms of the disease, said the WHO.
STDs and mpox may have no symptoms, but common signs include unusual discharge from the genitals or rectum, itching, painful urination, rectal pain, skin changes including rashes, blister-like lesions, yellowing of the skin, pain during sex or flu. as symptoms.
If you notice any signs of STIs or mpox, immediately consult a healthcare professional, sexual health clinic, or community organization.
“Early detection facilitates treatment and prevents transmission to other people.”
Gundo Weiler, WHO/Europe Regional Emergency Director, said: “Watching UEFA matches wherever they are held is an exciting experience, but sports fans must not forget to stay healthy.
“Our joint advice reminds you to hydrate, practice good hygiene, prevent illness and be aware of local health recommendations.
“Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, including against measles and Covid-19. Enjoy the games safely!”
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