Doctors' tips for avoiding trouble during Carnival.

Alana Gandra
Reporter from Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro - Carnival officially begins next Friday (8), but several blocos have already been drawing crowds across the country since January. Concerned about the health of these revelers, doctors in Rio de Janeiro are issuing a warning: it is necessary not to forget basic health precautions during this period.

General practitioner Aloisio Fonseca, from the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital and professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj), highlighted today (4), in an interview with Agência Brasil, that one of the main concerns should be hydration because, even with the rain, the weather remains hot.

He emphasized that people should drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged fasting, and maintain their daily hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom, and washing fruits, vegetables, and greens before consumption. Fonseca stressed that these hygiene measures help prevent intestinal infections, which can lead to dehydration.

When it comes to meals, the recommendation is to prefer eating at reputable places or those that sell a lot of food, because this means frequent food replenishment. Eating at street vendor stalls "should be avoided whenever possible." If necessity forces you to eat at this type of place, the advice is to look for people who prepare food at all times and "avoid mayonnaise or anything that might be freshly made the day before." On the street, the advice is to eat rice, green salad, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid very heavy meals to prevent feeling unwell afterward.

The doctor recommends drinking mineral or filtered water, preferably. According to him, alcoholic beverages should be consumed in moderation. "The minimum possible, always, that allows for an enjoyable Carnival," he warned. "Especially if you are going to drive, it's zero (consumption)." He reminded that it is very common at this time to see people in hospital emergency rooms who are intoxicated, drunk, and injured in fights and accidents.

For the samba dancers, who often perform for more than two schools on the same night, he recommended that extra caution be exercised. They should "stay well hydrated and well-nourished at all times." Fonseca reminded everyone that using condoms during Carnival "is essential, so as not to be surprised later."

Speaking to Agência Brasil, the head of the Emergency Department at Hospital Samaritano, Luís Fernando de Barros Correia, explained that revelers should be separated into those with medical conditions requiring treatment and those without any illness. For the latter, the concerns are the usual ones, involving dehydration, sunburn, and the effects of diet at this time of year.

The same applies to children, for whom caregivers must pay the utmost attention. "Only expose them to appropriate environments." Parents should avoid taking their children to overly crowded places, whether indoors or outdoors. Preferably, choose areas specifically for children. That is, do not mix children with adult groups, because they can get hurt or injured, "even innocently, because the people are adults and are jumping around. There will be groups, but they are children's groups."

Overly elaborate, heavy, or synthetic costumes that prevent children from sweating should be avoided. Footwear should also be appropriate. Clothing should be lightweight and light-colored to allow for perspiration. This also applies to adults, "because perspiration is our body's natural cooling mechanism." In addition, children should be kept hydrated and protected with appropriate sunscreen.

Regarding people who use continuous medication, such as those for diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health problems, doctors are concerned that they do not stop taking their medication. "They have to remember to take their medication because otherwise, they may have a serious complication of a chronic disease that will be worsened because they are agitated, sweating, and exercising. This is especially true for people who have heart problems or high blood pressure."

For everyone, Luís Fernando Correia's recommendation is to drink moderately. "There's no point in getting drunk on the first day and then spending the rest of Carnival in the hospital or at home with a terrible hangover."

Since drinking is part of Carnival, the specialist gave some advice for this time of year. "If you drink, try to drink plenty of water during the day. Drinking water with your drink, or always, will prevent you from getting drunk too quickly and will also prevent alcohol poisoning. And, preferably, drink after eating, to help your body function properly." The doctor reminded people that these are basic precautions that they often forget during Carnival.

Edited by: Tereza Barbosa