This week marks Nutrition and Hydration Week 2026, a national campaign raising awareness about the vital role nutrition and hydration play in overall health, and in preventing infections.
Proper hydration is not just about quenching thirst. Staying well-hydrated supports the immune system, helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes, and can even reduce the risk of certain infections. Dehydration can compromise the body’s natural defenses, making it easier for infections to take hold.
Jude Robinson, President of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS), emphasises the connection between hydration and infection prevention: “
Hydration is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to help keep infections at bay. Whether in a hospital, care home, or at home, drinking enough fluids supports the body’s natural defences. As a fundamental part of everyday care, prioritising hydration helps protect health and strengthens infection prevention for everyone.”
While this message is especially relevant for healthcare professionals working in infection prevention and control, it also applies to everyone. Simple steps, like keeping a water bottle nearby, choosing water-rich foods, and encouraging friends and family to stay hydrated, can make a real difference in overall health.
Nutrition and Hydration Week is a reminder that small, everyday choices, from drinking enough water to eating a balanced diet, play a powerful role in preventing illness and supporting wellbeing.
For healthcare professionals in IPC, hydration is one of many critical measures that help protect patients and reduce the spread of infections. For the public, it’s an easy and practical step we can all take to stay healthier.
