Health Awareness Campaign - Infections in Sport

The GAA, IRFU, FAI and The Irish Hockey Association have come together to support a health awareness campaign in sports.

Research has shown that the transmission of hepatitis B is probably the greatest of all blood-borne infections with the risk of it spreading being higher for athletes involved in contact sport, or who live in or travel to highly endemic regions and for those who practice first-aid for injured athletesi

The initiative, entitled ‘Infections in sport...prevention is key’, raises awareness of the many infections that can be acquired in sport. It highlights the importance of focusing on safe practices amongst athletes, their coaches and all those who practice first aid in the absence of a health care professional.

Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee of the GAA, Dr. Danny Mulvihill, said:

“Although, the incidence of blood-borne infection in sport is low, the potential risk is always present. Therefore, it is extremely important to educate all those involved in Irish sports, at all levels and regardless of age, about high risk behaviour and how to avoid any possible exposure”.

“This booklet is a valuable and vital read for all involved in sport as many of the infections seen in sports players are preventable. Each and every team has a responsibility to themselves, their teammates and all they compete against, and this can be easily achieved by undertaking the preventative measures outlined in the booklet”.

There are a number of ways that infections can be acquired during sporting activities. These include person to person contact, exposure to infected blood, bodily fluids or from the use of unsterilized 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.