Avoid Disease and Infection By Avoiding Mosquitoes and Other Critters

It makes perfect sense to protect youself with insect repellants. It is important to note however that all popular insect repellants on the market are not created equal. You need to 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 critters 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 yourself with insect repellants. It is important to note however that all popular insect repellants on the market are not created equal. You need to 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

DEET, 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 haven't been proven to be 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.

Dental Infection Control

Unfortunately, the Nahum's son died of his infection and Victoria has an incurable auto-immune disease too. The purpose of the Safe Care Campaign is to educate and promote hygiene safety as well as precautionary measures in all medical caregivers whether in a hospital setting, nursing home setting or other medical facilities. Not only does the Safe Care Campaign work with the medical institutions, they also work with patients as well so that they know what is safe and what practices to look for as well. To understand more about what the Safe Care Campaign is working for, you have to understand more about hospital acquired infections. Infection Control In Long Term Care

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 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 doesn't do a very good job of repelling 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 stay away from chemicals.

As with most insect repellants, you must reapply them 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 critterss that cause infection.

Latest Infection Control News

12/04/2008
Ont. hospitals not managing infections well: Study (Canada.com)
Ontario hospitals still have a "long way to go" before they can fully get a handle on how to deal with outbreaks, says an infection control expert.

Ont. hospitals not managing infections well: Study (Canada.com)

12/04/2008
New ASTM Task Group on Antimicrobial Medical Gloves Works on Standard (ThomasNet)
Based on number/severity of healthcare association infections, ASTM International Committee D11 on Rubber created new task group which invites glove suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, as well as contract test labs, government agency reps, and infection control practitioners to participate. Wava Truscott of Kimberly-Clark Healthcare heads the group and listed various topics to be ...

New ASTM Task Group on Antimicrobial Medical Gloves Works on Standard (ThomasNet)

12/03/2008
Death of infant linked to formula, infection (El Paso Times)
EL PASO -- Health officials in New Mexico are investigating the death earlier this month of an infant at Holloman Air Force Base who contracted a rare infection associated with powdered infant formula.

Death of infant linked to formula, infection (El Paso Times)

12/04/2008
New ASTM Task Group on Antimicrobial Medical Gloves Works on Standard (ThomasNet)
Based on number/severity of healthcare association infections, ASTM International Committee D11 on Rubber created new task group which invites glove suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, as well as contract test labs, government agency reps, and infection control practitioners to participate. Wava Truscott of Kimberly-Clark Healthcare heads the group and listed various topics to be ...

New ASTM Task Group on Antimicrobial Medical Gloves Works on Standard (ThomasNet)

12/04/2008
Death of Otero county infant linked to formula, infection (7:39 a.m.) (Las Cruces Sun-News)
Death of Otero county infant linked to formula, infection (7:39 a.m.)

Death of Otero county infant linked to formula, infection (7:39 a.m.) (Las Cruces Sun-News)

12/03/2008
Elkhart nursing home employee contracts bacterial infection (WNDU 16 South Bend)
After several days in the hospital, a certified nursing assistant at Elkhart's Golden Living Center is at home recovering. He was diagnosed with C-DIF, that’s short for clostridium difficile, a serious bacterial infection.

Elkhart nursing home employee contracts bacterial infection (WNDU 16 South Bend)

    
 Preventing Infection

 

 

 throat infections


Avoid Infection By Maintaining a Healthy Home
Herpes and Its Impact on Health
Preventative Program for HIV and AIDS
RSV and Prevention
Infection Control in Hospital Settings
Prevent the Spread of Infection
SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Bird Flu Pandemic - Should We Be Concerned?
Pandemic Preparation - The Basics
Avoiding Infection By Mosquitoes
MRSA