Warm humid temperatures are here and that means insects are everywhere. But those pesky bugs can carry some serious diseases. So how do you protect yourself? Mosquitoes have the potential to carry the West Nile Virus. Fleas can cause bites that itch and can morph into infections. And ticks are capable of spreading Lyme disease and various fevers. But you can protect yourself. When going outside, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using repellent that contains 20 percent DEET. The CDC says use a repellent that contains one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (PIH-CARE-REE-DIN), I-R-3-5-3-5 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET is approved to use on children according to the EPA. Ticks and fleas love hairy animals, so be sure to check your pets and keep them away from thick brush. Also check for ticks in your hair, around your belly button, ears, and behind your knees. After being outside, shower right away. Also it helps to apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone to a mosquito bite to reduce itching.
Warm humid temperatures are here and that means insects are everywhere. But those pesky bugs can carry some serious diseases. So how do you protect yourself? Mosquitoes have the potential to carry the West Nile Virus. Fleas can cause bites that itch and can morph into infections. And ticks are capable of spreading Lyme disease and various fevers. But you can protect yourself. When going outside, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using repellent that contains 20 percent DEET. The CDC says use a repellent that contains one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (PIH-CARE-REE-DIN), I-R-3-5-3-5 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET is approved to use on children according to the EPA. Ticks and fleas love hairy animals, so be sure to check your pets and keep them away from thick brush. Also check for ticks in your hair, around your belly button, ears, and behind your knees. After being outside, shower right away. Also it helps to apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone to a mosquito bite to reduce itching.