How to have a healthy holiday and festival season – summer safety checklist - West Midlands families

Summer is here and the schools have broken up – meaning days out with friends and family, festival season, and vacations at home and abroad. Whatever you’ve got planned, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people of some top health tips to make sure it’s a summer to remember for all the right reasons.
1) Avoid catching measles – is everyone up to date with their MMR?
Measles cases are being seen in England and there are other countries where it is much more common. Families are reminded to check if they’re up to date with essential vaccines like MMR, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles especially can have serious complications and, in some cases, even prove fatal.
Find out what to look out for and what you need to know if you think you have measles or have been in contact with a case of measles.
2) Beat the heat – by being sun safe and staying hydrated
Whether at home or abroad, it’s important to enjoy the sun safely. Also make sure you look out for people who are less able to cope in higher temperatures.
Get advice for enjoying the hot weather safely and information to support those whose health is affected by increased temperatures.
3) Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
Good respiratory hygiene is an important way to prevent spreading infections including colds, flu and COVID-19.
Get advice on how to reduce coughs and sneezes from spreading diseases.
4) Avoid nasty stomach bugs
Whether you’re visiting an animal attraction, picnicking in the park, camping in the forest or barbecuing in the garden, hand and food hygiene are important.
Learn what to do to prevent and treat stomach bugs, plus advice for families visiting animal attractions, having barbecues or picnics.