On the eve of the first Carnival after the end of the health restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, parties and street parties have already started to take place across the country. With the growing mobilization, it is important to take care during the days of revelry to be able to enjoy the festival healthily and safely. Points of attention include: nutrition, disease prevention and hydration. To guide the public about these practices, preceptors from the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) give tips and strategies on how to guarantee a healthier and safer Carnival.

Check out the following tips: 

Generalized, sexually transmitted and viral infections

ISD's infectious disease preceptor, Carolina Damásio, reinforces that, during this period, it is necessary to be aware of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and gonorrhea, which can be transmitted through unprotected sex. Therefore, the use of condoms is essential.

In the case of risky sexual exposure without protection, the infectious disease specialist reinforces that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV can be carried out, and medications can be used to avoid STIs. In the case of women of childbearing age and not using a contraceptive method, it is also possible to adopt the “morning-after pill”.

To avoid widespread and viral infections, Carolina Damásio reinforces that it is necessary to have up-to-date vaccinations, including against Covid, avoid leaving the house with respiratory symptoms, avoid excessive use of substances and alcoholic beverages, and be extra careful with ointments, paint and other products for skin or hair, to avoid possible poisoning. 

Food and hydration

During the festive period, food is one of the main points of care. ISD's nutritionist preceptor, Luciana Câmara, recommends simple and quick measures to be adopted. Before the festivities, it is important to prioritize protein foods such as eggs, chicken, fish and yogurt, as well as complex carbohydrates, such as yams, cassava, sweet potatoes and brown rice. 

The professional reinforces that adding a fruit or vegetable to this meal is also ideal, as they are foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and water, which help the liver to metabolize excess alcohol. 

Throughout the day, it is essential to stay hydrated, especially for people who are going to drink alcohol. Luciana explains that the ideal is to alternate alcoholic beverages with water, as one of the effects of alcohol is dehydration of the body. 

Furthermore, the professional recommends avoiding fast food, foods with fatty sauces and fried foods, which take time to digest and cause sluggishness and sleepiness. “Have snacks on hand such as nuts, peanuts, coconut chips, dried fruits, sweet potato chips, so you don’t go too long without eating”, reinforces Luciana. 

Safety and integrity on the streets 

An important point that deserves to be highlighted concerns situations of violence during Carnival festivities. ISD's social worker preceptor, Renata Rocha, explains which channels to turn to when witnessing a violent situation.

In situations of violence against women, the Women's Police Station (DEAM) and the Specialized Social Assistance Reference Center (CREAS) must be contacted. It is important to be aware of the different types of violence: physical, psychological, moral, swearing or coercion in public environments. 

When witnessing violence against children and adolescents, it is necessary to inform the Guardianship Council of your municipality, CREAS and the Children and Adolescents Police Station (DCA). Another important recommendation is, when taking children to Carnival celebrations, to put on an identification bracelet with the name of the person responsible and contact number, as a way to prevent the child from getting lost. 

“The report can be anonymous and is an act of citizenship and protection for people in situations of violence and their families. It is necessary to break this wall of silence, in environments that involve extra-family violence, including on the streets”, reinforces Renata Rocha. 

Register the main emergency and public service telephone numbers:

190 – Military Police 

192 – Samu

100 – Human Rights 

180 – Women’s police station

125 – Guardianship Council