Travelling to the Olympics? How visitors can stay healthy during the Milan-Cortina games

The 2026 Winter Olympics have begun in Milan and Cortina, Italy, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world between February 6th and 22nd. As international travelers converge on Italy, health experts are reminding attendees to prioritize precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Protecting Against Winter Illnesses

Respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, continue to circulate throughout Europe this winter. Vaccination is recommended, especially for those considered high-risk – including the elderly, pregnant women, young children and individuals with chronic diseases – as these groups may experience more severe symptoms.

Simple preventative measures, such as practicing good hand hygiene with soap or alcohol-based products and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, are also crucial. If symptoms develop while in Italy, This proves advised to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, stay indoors, and avoid crowded areas.

Did You Know? The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the most geographically widespread in history, covering an area of 22,000 square kilometers across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Vaccination Status and Travel Health

Before traveling to Italy, individuals are encouraged to review their vaccination status. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes the importance of routine immunizations, including necessary booster shots. Measles vaccination is a particular priority, given recent increases in global transmission and outbreaks, including in parts of Europe.

The ECDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals receive the measles vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel. Travelers should also plan to bring any necessary medications and treatments with them.

Food and Water Safety

While enjoying Italy’s culinary offerings, it’s important to prioritize food safety. The most common travel-related illnesses stem from consuming spoiled food or contaminated beverages.

Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, wash fruits and vegetables carefully, and avoid leaving cooked or perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours. Fortunately, tap water in Milan and Cortina is generally safe for consumption.

Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Large gatherings, such as the Olympics, can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Common STIs in Europe include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, while HIV, viral hepatitis, and mpox are also potential concerns.

Travelers are advised to discuss recommended preventative measures with a healthcare provider, based on their individual risk assessments. These measures may include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV and vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and mpox. Testing for STIs is recommended after unprotected sex or encounters with multiple partners, even in the absence of symptoms.

Expert Insight: The convergence of a large international population during the Olympics creates a heightened potential for the spread of infectious diseases. Proactive health measures, both before and during travel, are essential for minimizing risk and ensuring a safe experience for all attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What respiratory viruses are currently active in Europe?

Influenza and COVID-19 remain active across Europe this winter.

Who is considered high-risk for severe illness from respiratory viruses?

The elderly, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic diseases are considered high-risk.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Milan and Cortina?

Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink in Milan and Cortina.

As the Olympic Games progress, will these health recommendations remain relevant for visitors throughout Italy?