Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors

Spending time enjoying the outdoors is very important for your health and wellbeing.

Relaxing and exercising in the fresh air is good for your physical and mental health. Not only is it free to do, you can start on your doorstep by visiting local parks and woods.

Each year a small number of people are affected by infections caught outdoors. But, you can avoid this by following some simple steps.

What germs can be found outside

Germs like E.coli O157 and Cryptosporidium are often carried by farm animals. They can be found anywhere in the outdoors and you can get ill if you swallow them by accident.

These germs are usually passed from your hands to your mouth. Your hands don’t need to look dirty to carry them.

You can also pick these germs up:

• by touching or petting animals
• through contact with fields, fences, gates and buildings where animals have been kept

This means it’s important to wash your hands after contact with animals or areas where they are kept.

Pregnant women should avoid contact with animals giving birth and newborn animals. They may carry germs that can be particularly risky in pregnancy.

How to wash your hands properly

You should wash your hands with soap and water to help protect yourself from germs outdoors. You should do this before eating, drinking or smoking. This is because these things will bring your hands into contact with your mouth.

If you’re out and there’s no running water, you could use hand wipes. You can use a hand sanitiser if your hands are visibly clean.

Wipes and hand sanitisers do not work against all germs. This means you should wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you can.

What germs can be found in water

E.coli, Cryptosporidium and Leptospira can contaminate lochs, rivers and streams. They can be harmful to people if they’re swallowed.

How to get clean water outdoors

You should take enough drinking water when you go outdoors. Keep your water bottles, cups and flasks clean and away from dirt.

You can also make untreated water safe to drink by boiling it or using chemical treatments. You should do this if drinking water isn’t available.

More on water purification

Water in holiday accommodation

Some holiday accommodation in Scotland may not be on a mains water supply. There are also private water supplies that can be a risk to your health if they are not well maintained.

Ask the owner of the accommodation for information on water quality.

More on private water supplies in Scotland

Risks of tick bites

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures. They can carry the germ that causes Lyme disease.

Ticks can be found on bushes and undergrowth in Scotland’s countryside, parks and gardens. They are mostly around from spring, through summer and into autumn.

Most ticks are unlikely to carry the germ that causes Lyme disease. But, there’s no way of knowing at the time.

More about tick bites

How to avoid tick bites

Eating outdoors

If you’re planning to eat outdoors, follow Food Standards Scotland’s advice on safe picnics and barbeques.

Risks of bringing germs indoors

You can bring germs into your home from outdoors. For example, on your:

• muddy footwear
• bikes
• pushchairs
• pets

These germs can be a risk to your family and your visitors. Cleaning dirty items before bringing them into your house reduces this risk.

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning up.

Leave no trace

It’s important to leave the outdoors as you found it after activities like walking or camping.

Pet and human waste can carry germs. These can threaten the health of Scotland’s animals and the safety of food made from them. So, you should bag and bin waste whenever possible.

By treating the outdoors with respect, everyone can enjoy the benefits of being outside. At the same time, this will minimise the impact on the environment.

More about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code