Be vigilant about bug spray – . Well being Weblog

Ticks and mosquitoes don't care about COVID-19 safety protocols. They don't care that people are trying to get the final moments of this restrictive summer out by going outside, hiking, or just sitting on their decks at night and feeling something that is close to normal.

COVID-19 has caught our attention and prompted people to adjust their behavior to avoid a major health problem. However, this does not mean that others have been eliminated. "Masks and social distancing don't protect you from potential ticks and mosquitoes," says Dr. Todd Ellerin, director of infectious diseases and vice chairman of the medical department at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and medical instructor at . Medical School.

Ellerin adds another reason to stay vigilant: tick-borne diseases and COVID-19 share symptoms like fever, pain, fatigue, sore throat, rashes, headache, low white blood cell counts and increased liver function. One disease can be confused with the other and health care resources are depleted. "It adds another level of diagnostic confusion," he says. It means taking the necessary precautions now becomes more important, but the benefit is that one repellant is effective for both insects.

What are some common tick and mosquito-borne diseases?

This list is not exhaustive, but common tick-related infections include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. They can all occur nationwide, but the highest concentrations are in the Northeast and Midwest. Borrelia miyamotoi is relatively new and rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therefore, questions are still being clarified about where it occurs most frequently. And with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, over 50% of cases come from five states in the Southeast and Midwest.

Common mosquito infections are malaria, Zika, West Nile, and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The CDC rarely mentions EEE, but Ellerin says there was an increase last year. For example, in Massachusetts there have been 12 cases after none were reported from 2014 to 2018. The concern about electrical and electronic equipment is that the virus usually occurs in two to three year cycles and approximately 30% of people infected will die from it. Therefore mosquitoes should not be ignored. "Mosquitoes are actually the most dangerous animal in the world and cause the highest number of deaths," says Ellerin.

Bug spray is a safe and effective prevention strategy

Overall, the risk of serious illness from a tick or mosquito can seem overwhelming. However, it can be comforting to know that over-the-counter bug sprays work well at repelling ticks and mosquitoes with one of three popular ingredients: lemon eucalyptus oil, picaridin, or diethyltoluamide, better known as DEET. Permethrin is a different one, but it is an insecticide and was designed to be used on clothing, not skin. Ellerin says the bug spray ingredients you choose are safe and effective when used according to their labels.

Find the repellent that's right for you

The choice can only be based on preferences or needs. DEET is the best known, but it can cause irritation, says Dr. Abigail Waldman, clinical director of the Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center at Brigham and Women & # 39; s Hospital and Assistant Professor at . Medical School. In this case, picaridin is best for sensitive skin. Some people may prefer not to use a chemical, so lemon eucalyptus oil is a great option. There are two caveats, she says. It's not recommended for children under 3 years of age, and a botanical can still cause a rash. To do this, apply an emollient such as Vaseline or Aquaphor after washing with soap and water.

Whichever type of bug spray you choose, the concentration of the active ingredient that repels ticks and mosquitoes is important. With DEET, Waldman says you want at least 20% but no more than 50%. With picaridin it's 5% to 20%. And with lemon eucalyptus oil, a concentration of 10% to 30% is most effective.

How to use it safely

Be careful how you use bug spray. Cover all exposed skin; Don't forget your head, says Waldman. For your face, spray it on your hands first and then apply it. Ellerin sprays your ankles and uppers for low-lying ticks. And as a further means of prevention, it helps to walk on open paths and avoid tall grass, in which ticks like to hang around. Wear clothing that covers your extremities and tuck your pant legs into your socks. At home, mow your lawn frequently, remove brushes, and keep play areas away from shrubs, bushes, and wooded areas.

Waldman says every parent knows their children's abilities, but young children shouldn't be handling bug spray on their own. The concern is that it could get in the eyes, noses, ears, or mouth and that young children have a tendency to put their fingers in their mouths. It can be toxic in high exposure, so it's good not to avoid ingestion at any level, and it's a good idea for anyone to wash their hands after applying the repellent, she says.

If you plan to be in the sun, apply sunscreen first as it needs to be set, then bug spray, and reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes as the repellant will reduce its effectiveness. The repellant usually lasts six to eight hours. If it isn't worn out before bed, consider washing it off with soap and water as it can be irritating when staying overnight. Unless you camp overnight in an area with ticks or mosquitos, you don't want it to sit on your skin when insects are not a problem. "If you don't need it, take it off," says Waldman.