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.
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.
Infection Control GuidelinesDoctors don't really know how long that people are infections once they are being medically treated. However, the common consensus that once the fever is past and coughing subsides, it is generally safe to go out in public again.
When it comes avoiding SARS, the only thing you can do is practice proper hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water and keep at least three feet away from people who are suspected to have SARS or show SARS-related symptoms.
Infection Control In Hospital
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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 ?
11/20/2008
New fears over hospital hygiene (The Ham&High Network)
FEARS about infection control at the Royal Free Hospital have resurfaced, after a manager allegedly admitted to a patient that his staff do not wash their hands with soap and water.
New fears over hospital hygiene (The Ham&High Network)
11/21/2008
233,000 Americans don't know they have HIV (UPI)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Some 1.1 million people in the United States are infected with HIV and nearly 233,000 are unaware of their infection, a forum on HIV research said Thursday.
233,000 Americans don't know they have HIV (UPI)
11/20/2008
Nephros Provides Corporate Update (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Nephros, Inc. , a medical device company developing and marketing filtration products for therapeutic applications, infection control, and water purification, today provided an update on its operations and strategy.
Nephros Provides Corporate Update (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
11/18/2008
Nanosonics appoints European distributors for infection control product (Pharmaceutical Business Review)
Nanosonics, an Australia-based company engaged in R&D and commercialization of infection control and decontamination products, has formally appointed its first exclusive distributors in Europe located in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Scandinavia.
Nanosonics appoints European distributors for infection control product (Pharmaceutical Business Review)
11/19/2008
Hospital must do more to halt infection, patient says (Guelph Mercury)
GUELPH (Nov 19, 2008) -- A Guelph General Hospital patient says medical staff need to do more to halt the spread of a contagious bacteria, though an infection control officer counters that current measures are aggressive.
Hospital must do more to halt infection, patient says (Guelph Mercury)
11/21/2008
233,000 Americans don't know they have HIV (UPI)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Some 1.1 million people in the United States are infected with HIV and nearly 233,000 are unaware of their infection, a forum on HIV research said Thursday.
233,000 Americans don't know they have HIV (UPI)
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