Campaign targets risk of infections from sport

A new health awareness campaign being launched today aims to help people involved in sport to avoid the threat of preventable infections such as hepatitis B and tetanus. The initiative titled I nfections in Sport . . . Prevention is Key raises awareness of the many infections that can be acquired and highlights the importance of focusing on safe practices among athletes, their coaches and first aiders. Central to the campaign is a new sports health booklet which has been endorsed by IRFU, FAI, GAA and the Irish Hockey Association.

It addresses a series of infections that can be acquired through track and field activities, including blood-borne ones such as hepatitis B , and other infections such as tetanus. Sponsored by pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur MSD, the guide provides advice on practical preventative measures that can be taken. Although the incidence of blood-borne infection in sport is low, there are a number of ways they can be acquired during sporting activities.

These include person-to-person contact, exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, or from the use of unsterilised equipment or sports activity areas. Infections can also be spread by having infected blood or other bodily fluids splashed into the mouth, eyes or nose, or onto an open cut or cracked skin. The booklet will be available on the websites of all endorsing bodies and at irishsportscouncil.ie. Copies will be available in student unions and GAA, rugby and soccer clubs nationwide.

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Intervention in Sport Prevention is Key

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