People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), dehydration, sunburn, diarrhoea and unprotected sex are the biggest threats to the health of festival goers.

"We are advising people to plan ahead if they believe there is any chance of an unplanned sexual encounter. Condoms are essential to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is also important to be aware that, while normal oral contraception can assist against an unwanted pregnancy, it becomes ineffective if the person is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea," commented pharmacist and IPU vice-president, Daragh Connolly.

Electric Picnic runs from September 4-6 in Stradbally, Co Laois. Around 51,000 people are expected to attend. According to Mr Connolly, a few small items can help people if they do become unwell, such as medication for stomach upsets or diarrhoea, and antiseptic creams for cuts, bites or stings.

"Music festivals such as Electric Picnic are there to be enjoyed. It is important that individuals take all precautions to ensure that they have a safe and healthy festival experience," he said.

The IPU offers the following tips to festival goers:

-Make sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you may be taking, such as asthma inhalers
-Anyone with an allergy to a prescription medicine, such as penicillin, should wear a bracelet or necklace which states this fact
-If you intend to be sexually active at the festival, practise safe sex. Always use a condom to protect against STIs
-Remember that vomiting and diarrhoea can render oral contraceptives ineffective
-Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 around 20 minutes before you go out into the sun and reapply regularly. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses.
-If you suffer from cold sores, wear a lip balm with high sun protection and carry a cream to treat cold sores
-Stomach upsets can be common at festivals because normal dietary routine is interrupted. Ask your pharmacist about appropriate over-the-counter medicines to bring with you should this happen
-Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if you are suffering from diarrhoea. In some cases, rehydration sachets may be necessary
-Wash your hands regularly as this is the first line of defence against spreading germs. Antiseptic hand gel is handy to have at outdoor events and can reduce the risk of an upset stomach.

Festival goers are also urged to familiarise themselves with the location of medical posts on site, so that they know where to go if assistance is required.