A lively thread on r/glastonbury_festival recently sparked debate over whether soap use or the harsh realities of festival life cause post-fest illness. One user strongly warned that hand sanitizer alone doesn’t protect against norovirus and urged attendees to pack soap and wash hands thoroughly. Fatigue, alcohol, and drugs were cited as immunity sappers that worsen risk.
Comments mixed humor with practical insight. Some blamed party substances like ecstasy and booze, while others pointed to exhaustion, stress, and the intense exposure to over 200,000 fellow attendees as key illness factors. Many highlighted that airborne viruses—colloquial colds, flu, and COVID—spread mainly through close contact, making thorough handwashing especially important against resistant viruses like norovirus.
Several users admitted to lax hygiene, while others pushed back to promote better soap habits. The thread reflects a broader tension: ideal hygiene is difficult amidst muddy fields, shared facilities, and nonstop partying. Many accept that weakened immune systems combined with dense crowds often mean sickness is an expected risk—even with soap.
Glastonbury’s Health Guidelines
The festival itself offers robust medical support, including a central medical center and first aid units across the site. Attendees are encouraged to:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Wash hands regularly
- Carry hand sanitizer
- Follow food preparation safety tips
- Avoid barbecuing inside tents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Visit Glastonbury Medical & First Aid for full details.
In summary, the grassroots Reddit discussion spotlights the clash between what’s ideal in hygiene and what’s achievable in the festival’s immersive environment. Glastonbury’s official advice complements these community concerns—encouraging simple practices that can reduce risk but acknowledging that illness remains a common festival reality.
Source: r/glastonbury_festival