Avoid Disease and Infection by
Mosquitoes and Other Beasties
It makes perfect sense to protect you
with insect repellants. It is important to note however that
each popular insect repellant on the market is not created
equal. You need understand a little about each one to make the
wisest decision for your needs and that of your
family.
Mosquitoes and ticks are two little beasties that can
make a person's life miserable because they carry a variety of
different types of diseases and infection. Malaria, yellow
fever, dengue fever, encephalitis, West Nile, Lyme disease,
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and many other infectious diseases
are caused by mosquitoes and ticks.
It makes perfect sense to protect you with insect
repellants. It is important to note however that each popular
insect repellant on the market is not created equal. You need
understand a little about each one to make the wisest decision
for your needs and that of your family.
1. DEET, the most popular and most
effective insect repellant
This particular option is rather potent and can cause some
sensitivity issues on the skin. That is why there are varying
strengths marketed that are targeted towards particular groups
of people. For instance, children should use at the most a 30%
concentration while adults should use no more than 50% as
higher percentages are not that much more effective.
Spraying DEET on your pants and socks will help repel ticks
and spraying on exposed skin will repel mosquitoes and even
biting flies. For safety, spray DEET in your hands and then
apply to your face. Of course, don't forget to wash your hands
afterward. Be sure to avoid spraying on open wounds and other
sensitive areas.
2. Picaridin, a new alternative for
DEET users
Picaridin is a more favorable alternative for those DEET
users who have skin sensitivity. It is easier on the skin and
comes in a variety of concentrations. It is important to note
that you should not compare the percentages of Picaridin with
the percentages of DEET. They are two different chemical
make-ups. Picaridin is gaining market share because it comes
not only in a pump spray but also an aerosol spray and a
chemical wet wipe alternative which is great for young
children. Another overall plus for Picaridin is that is does
not smell very strong, unlike DEET. The only drawback right now
is that it has not been proven to repel ticks.
3. Lemon eucalyptus oil is an
effective and
yet more natural way of repelling insects
This insect repellant is great for those who enjoy more
natural, organic products. This oil comes from the lemon
eucalyptus plant and the active ingredient which makes this
alternative competitive with DEET is called PMD. Experts advise
however that lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on young
children, only teens and adults. Studies show that this oil is
as strong as DEET in lower concentrations like 30-50%, which
makes it an ideal alternative to people who want to eschew
chemicals.
As with most insect repellants, you must reapply
periodically to ensure their effectiveness. Always follow the
directions as indicated on the labels. Swimming, sweating and
rain are three reasons why repellants may have to be re-applied
sooner than indicated. Otherwise, just reapply as needed to
ensure your protection against mosquitoes, ticks and other
beasties that cause infection. Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
10/13/2008
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
A Surrey hospital ordered to improve its infection control is given the all-clear by the health watchdog.
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
10/15/2008
Clostridium Difficile Infection in Long-Term Care: Tailored Approaches to Management Complimentary Continuing ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Clostridium difficile infection is increasingly being seen in older adults, especially among residents of long-term care facilities . This is further complicated by the emergence of a new resistant strain of C. difficile associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Clostridium Difficile Infection in Long-Term Care: Tailored Approaches to Management Complimentary Continuing ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
10/15/2008
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
Concerns are being raised about NHS performance on infection control in England - just weeks after ministers announced its target had been met.
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
10/13/2008
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
A Surrey hospital ordered to improve its infection control is given the all-clear by the health watchdog.
Hospital gets infection all-clear (BBC News)
10/15/2008
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
A quarter of NHS bodies are failing to meet basic standards of infection control designed to combat superbugs such as MRSA, England's health watchdog said on Thursday.
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
10/15/2008
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
A quarter of NHS bodies are failing to meet basic standards of infection control designed to combat superbugs such as MRSA, England's health watchdog said on Thursday.
Quarter of NHS failing on superbugs (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
10/15/2008
Virus control endorsed (iafrica.com)
A task team has endorsed the infection control procedures at Morningside Medi-Clinic.
Virus control endorsed (iafrica.com)
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