Avoid Disease and Infection By Avoiding 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.

Infection Control

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.

Nursing Home Infection Control Also cooking your poultry products properly should be another preventative measure. Other than smart hygiene practices, there is not much else you can do to protect yourself from the latest bird flu strain. Fungi

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 ?

08/28/2008
The tragedies that prompted ‘our massive wake-up call’ (Times Online)
Bacteria will be present in hospitals as long as people are, but vital lessons in infection control have been learnt since outbreaks of Clostridium difficile caused the death of at least 90 patients at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Kent.

The tragedies that prompted ‘our massive wake-up call’ (Times Online)

08/28/2008
CDC: Salmonella outbreak appears to be over (CNN.com)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the salmonella outbreak that sickened about1,400 people across the country appears to be over.

CDC: Salmonella outbreak appears to be over (CNN.com)

08/28/2008
Salmonella outbreak looks to be over in U.S. (International Herald Tribune)
At least 1,442 people suffered from the Saintpaul strain of salmonella, which was linked to tainted peppers, from April to Aug. 25, and the infection may have contributed to two deaths, according to a report Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Salmonella outbreak looks to be over in U.S. (International Herald Tribune)

08/29/2008
Amniotic fluid infections linked to premature births (Los Angeles Times)
Researchers find a greater number and variety of bacteria and fungi in a notable portion of women with pre-term deliveries. The more severe the infection, the earlier they were likely to give birth. Microbes in the wrong place at the wrong time -- a woman's amniotic fluid during pregnancy -- may play a role in causing premature births, according to a study published in the online journal PLoS ...

Amniotic fluid infections linked to premature births (Los Angeles Times)

08/28/2008
The tragedies that prompted ‘our massive wake-up call’ (Times Online)
Bacteria will be present in hospitals as long as people are, but vital lessons in infection control have been learnt since outbreaks of Clostridium difficile caused the death of at least 90 patients at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Kent.

The tragedies that prompted ‘our massive wake-up call’ (Times Online)

08/27/2008
CDC: Rates of HIV infection higher than previously thought (Daily Pennsylvanian)
A recent study has found that annual HIV infection rates are higher than originally anticipated. A report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed HIV incidence - the number of new infections that occur per year - to be 40 percent higher than first estimated for the year 2006.

CDC: Rates of HIV infection higher than previously thought (Daily Pennsylvanian)

08/28/2008
Salmonella outbreak looks to be over in U.S. (International Herald Tribune)
At least 1,442 people suffered from the Saintpaul strain of salmonella, which was linked to tainted peppers, from April to Aug. 25, and the infection may have contributed to two deaths, according to a report Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Salmonella outbreak looks to be over in U.S. (International Herald Tribune)