Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests of the summer. They are often pesky and difficult to avoid, but by arming yourself with knowledge you can protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
1. What you should know about the Zika virus
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that has been linked to birth defects. While the virus is mainly spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, it can also be transmitted through sexual contact. The Zika virus is not fatal, but it can cause serious health complications, including microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected due to abnormal brain development. Pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant are advised not to travel to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent. If you are traveling to an area with a Zika virus outbreak, take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.
2. The best Zika protection methods
Zika is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a serious disease that can cause birth defects in babies. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, so the best way to protect yourself is to prevent mosquito bites. Precautions you can take to avoid getting bitten include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning and screens on the windows.
3. Zika and pets
If you’re traveling with your pet, be sure to take extra precautions against mosquitoes. Pets can also carry the Zika virus, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect them. Some easy tips include using a mosquito repellent designed for pets, keeping them indoors during peak mosquito hours, and covering any exposed skin. If your pet spends a lot of time outside, you might also want to consider a mosquito collar or flea and tick treatment.
4. Zika and pregnancy
Zika virus has been dominating headlines for a while now, and for good reason. This mosquito-borne virus can cause some pretty serious health problems, including microcephaly in infants. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s important to take precautions against Zika virus. That’s because Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which can cause major health problems. Mosquitoes are the primary way Zika virus is spread, so taking steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes is one of the best ways to prevent Zika virus. Some simple steps include wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-registered insect repellents, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens.
5. Zika and infants
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection. It’s been linked to a serious birth defect called microcephaly, in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected. So far, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus. The best way to protect yourself and your baby is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Pregnant women and their partners should take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Conclusion:
Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. In fact, four out of five people infected with Zika don’t show any symptoms at all! When symptoms do appear they usually last no more than a week. If you have been bitten by a mosquito while traveling in an area where Zika is present and develop symptoms similar to the ones described above within two weeks after returning home from your trip, make sure to see your doctor immediately. This might be a sign that you have contracted the virus