The expectation for the 2026 World Cup already moves thousands of Brazilians who intend to travel to watch the games in the United States, Canada and Mexico. But, in addition to organizing tickets, accommodation and tickets, there is another plan that deserves attention: health care.

Large international events often gather crowds at airports, stadiums, public transport and tourist areas, intensifying exposure to viruses and other health problems. This year, the alert gained even more strength after the Ministry of Health drew attention to the risk of an increase in cases of measles related to international travel during the World Cup.

According to the general practitioner and professor at Afya Jaboatão, Diego Reis, prevention is the best tactical scheme. “Many travelers focus only on the logistics of the trip and forget that the body also needs a check-up ‘pre-game’. At large events, exposure to different pathogens is very high, and being in good health ensures that you don’t miss any bids,” he says.

Below, check out some important guidelines to enjoy the tournament more safely!

1. Update vaccinations before boarding

Before traveling, it is worth checking your vaccination record, especially protection against measles. The Ministry of Health recommends special attention to triple viral vaccines, which protect against measles, mumps and rubella, as well as immunizations against tetanus, influenza, covid-19 and hepatitis A.

The warning comes because host countries have recorded an increase in measles cases in recent months. “This disease is transmitted via the respiratory route and spreads very quickly. In a stadium with 60 or 80 thousand people, the vaccine is not just individual protection, it is a collective safety measure to prevent the virus from circulating strongly in Brazil after the tournament”, warns Diego Reis. The ideal is to update your vaccinations at least 15 days before traveling.

2. Pay attention to symptoms after returning

High fever, red spots on the body, cough, runny nose and eye irritation may indicate measles or other respiratory infections. Anyone who presents symptoms after returning from the World Cup should seek medical attention quickly and inform their travel history. This helps with diagnosis and prevents transmission to other people.

3. Stay hydrated during games and commuting

Between walking, hours in line, heat, alcohol consumption and long journeys, many fans end up forgetting to drink water. Recently, a group of scientists sent a letter to FIFA warning that the competition’s current safety measures against heat are inadequate and could put players at risk.

Researchers warn that, in some cities where games will take place, temperatures can reach up to 35 °C or 40 °C. “THE dehydration and heatstroke can cause fainting and mental confusion. Fans often forget to drink water while watching matches, but wearing light clothing and constant hydration are vital to keep up with the pace of the games”, highlights the doctor.

When traveling, it is common to resort to quick snacks, street food and meals in busy places. Despite being part of the tourist experience, some precautions help to avoid food poisoning.

Observe the hygiene of the establishment, prefer well-stored food and pay attention to the origin of the water and ice used in drinks. Problems gastrointestinal They can seriously disrupt your trip and even require medical attention.

Another important tip is to balance your alcohol consumption and avoid spending many hours without eating.

5. Respect your body’s limits

Those who attend games in person tend to walk a lot more than they imagine. Between stadiums, subways, airports and tourist attractions, the routine can be quite tiring. Wearing light clothes, comfortable shoes and taking time to rest helps prevent muscle pain, injuries and a drop in immunity. Getting little sleep for several days in a row can also increase your risk of getting sick while traveling.

6. Put together a basic health kit

Separating a small kit before boarding can avoid a lot of inconvenience. The recommendation is to take:

• Medications for continuous use;
• Medicines prescribed by the doctor;
• Alcohol gel;
• Sunscreen;
• Mask for closed or very crowded environments;
• Copy of the card vaccination;
• Travel insurance contacts and nearby hospitals.

Furthermore, it is worth researching beforehand how health care works in the destination country.

Ultimately, taking care of your health before and during the World Cup helps ensure the experience is remembered for the games and the trip, not unexpected medical issues.

By Mário Tavares