The vuvuzela: a health hazard?

The vuvuzela: a health hazard?

I was right in the thick of things inside South Africa's newly built Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg - one of the best World Cup stadiums in the country.

The calabash-like venue was packed - 80,000 or so people.

It was a local fixture and two teams had made it to the final game. All you could hear was the sound of that vuvuzela. It sounded like bees had invaded the stadium.

I was having fun - soaking up the atmosphere.

The noise from the ear-splitting vuvuzelas was a little irritating - but my ears slowly adjusting to the strange sound.

One of the teams scored and the stadium went crazy. The crowd did the popular wave using their vuvuzelas - and it was a spectacular sight.

Then it felt like water was dripping from somewhere. There wasn't a cloud in the sky so it wasn't rain. I was perplexed for a few seconds.

Then I realised it was saliva coming from the vuvuzelas!

It was landing in my hair, on my clothes and on other people. In the excitement of the goal people around me didn't seem to mind. If they did they didn't show it.

But I was irritated. Partly because I had just read a report on the health risks of the vuvuzela. Apparently once can catch flu from those things.

Whether the report is true or false – I can see why one would think they could get sick from it.

There is also the impact the vuvuzelas has on ones' ears. Studies show you can damage your hearing!

So what should we do if we want to watch one of the games?

It really is a unique experience watching a football match in South Africa. And there is no denying that the vuvuzela brings a uniquely South African feel to the game. I definitely recommend people try it at least once.

Survival tips:

In case you find yourself getting wet - wear long sleeves and hats

For the noise - bring ear plugs

Or just bring your own vuvuzela and your football mad mood - and you are guaranteed a good old South African jol!