Ontario Ministry of Health offers
Tips Protect yourself from Mosquito Bites and Tips on Using Insect
Repellents
Protect yourself: fight the bite!
With summer approaching, it is time to start thinking about getting
outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and all nature has to offer. Hand in hand
comes the responsibility of protecting yourself and your family from the
less desirable elements spring and summer bring.
We are all used to applying sunscreen regularly
to protect our skin from the potentially damaging effects of sun
exposure, but what else can we do to ensure the warm days and nights
ahead are worry-free?
First, start spraying on the insect repellent.
The ever-pesky mosquito can now cause more than the general annoyance of
itchy red bumps.
Mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus.
While there is a minimal chance of being infected and even less chance
of becoming ill once infected, it is still wise to take precautions.
"Everyone who is active and outside during
the summer is at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and should take
precautions," says Dr. Colin D'Cunha Ontario's Chief Medical
Officer of Health.
The province of Ontario and many municipalities
have plans to reduce the number of mosquitoes and help protect us from
West Nile virus, but the most effective methods of protection are things
you can do yourself.
The Ontario Ministry of Health offers the
following tips to help you fight the bite:
• Avoid mosquito bites by applying insect
repellent containing DEET to exposed skin when you go outside. Follow
product application directions carefully.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing
DEET to deter mosquitoes from biting through them. Do not apply
repellents to skin under clothing.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to dark, vibrant
colours, so wear light-coloured protective clothing, such as long-sleeve
shirts, pants and socks to leave less skin exposed.
• Do not wear strong fragrances or perfumed
creams that can attract mosquitoes.
• Stay indoors from dusk to dawn and avoid
gardening in the early morning or evening when mosquitoes are most
active.
For more information, call the Ontario Ministry
of Health INFOline at 1-877-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario only), TTY
1-800-387-5559. In Toronto, call (416) 314-5518. You can also visit the
website www.HealthyOntario.com or call your local public health unit.
Before you leave the house this summer to go
outdoors and enjoy the weather, take insect repellent and keep your skin
protected both day and night along with your hat and sunscreen.
The Ontario Ministry of Health offers the
following tips to help you fight the bite:
• Avoid mosquito bites by applying insect
repellent containing DEET to exposed skin when you go outside. Follow
product application directions carefully.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing
DEET to deter mosquitoes from biting through them. Do not apply
repellents to skin under clothing.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to dark, vibrant
colours, so wear light-coloured protective clothing, such as long-sleeve
shirts, pants and socks to leave less skin exposed.
• Do not wear strong fragrances or perfumed
creams that can attract mosquitoes.
• Stay indoors from dusk to dawn and avoid
gardening in the early morning or evening when mosquitoes are most
active.
Tips for Using Personal Insect
Repellents
Staying free from mosquito bites is especially
important to reduce your risk of contracting West Nile virus.
Consider using a personal insect repellent. If
you do, use only products that are federally regulated such as those
that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Always check the label for
more detailed information, or ask your pharmacist for help. Follow
directions for use carefully.
The concentration of DEET should be a maximum 30
per cent for adults. Products with lower concentrations of DEET are just
as effective, but last for a shorter period of time.
For children between two and 12 years of age, use
products with a maximum of 10 per cent DEET, and apply no more than
three times per day. Avoid prolonged use and applying repellent to
children's hands to reduce the chance of getting it in their eyes and
mouths.
For children six months to two years of age,
consider one application per day in situations where a high risk of
complications from insect bites exist. Use a product with 10 per cent
DEET or less and apply sparingly, but not on the face and hands.
Insect repellents with DEET should not be used on
children under six months of age.
The more DEET a repellent contains, the longer
the protection lasts. For example, a product containing 10 per cent DEET
provides about three hours of protection, while one containing 30 per
cent DEET provides approximately six and a half hours of protection.
Apply repellents sparingly on exposed skin
surfaces or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. Repellent
does not need to be applied heavily, a light coating will be effective.
Small steps can make a big difference. And in the
case of personal insect repellents, they can keep us healthy.
For more information, call the Ontario Ministry
of Health INFOline at 1-877-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario only), TTY
1-800-387-5559. In Toronto, call (416) 314-5518. You can also
visit the website www.HealthyOntario.com or call your local public
health unit.
- News Canada |
First Aid Tips for Insect Stings
Keep the Bugs at Bay, Eight Tips for a Bug Free Summer
For Tips on Using Insect Repellent Click Below:
Keep young children close by with the Safety Harness with Hand Strap
Tips on Washing Hands to Avoid Germs
For Amusement Park Tips Click Below
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Safety Tips Click on
For Car Safety Tips Click on
For
Hotel and Hotel Room Safety Tips Click on
For Winter Holiday Safety Tips Click on
For Playground Safety Tips Click on
For Pool and Beach Safety Tips Click on
For Tips on Buying Safe Toys Click Below:
For Kids Club Safety Tips Click on
For Sun Safety Tips Click on
For Fire Safety Tips Click on
For Biking Safety Tips Click on
For First Aid Tips Click on
For In-line Skating Safety Tips Click on
For Safety Tips - Severe Allergic
Reactions Click on
For Safety Tips for visiting Petting
Zoos and Animal Farms Click Below:
For Holiday Safety Tips Click Below:
You may also want to check out
Travel
News - Safety Issues
Click below to return to Travel Safety
Tips
|