“How to protect myself from mosquito bites?”
I am a 31 year old male. My family and I are taking a trip to Florida soon. I know mosquitoes carry viruses and diseases, so how do I protect myself and my children?
3 Answers
Go to your travel clinic and be sure you are up to date on immunizations for the area. Also, DEET. Off is a brand name and comes in many forms (spray, wipes, etc.). Always read the label.
Clothes to cover skin with DEET containing mosquito spray
There is good information at the CDC site on the web. There are several things that have been proven to repel mosquitoes effectively: DEET and picaridin are the most well studied. If you choose to go with DEET, preparations come with a variety of concentrations. Higher concentrations mean that protection will last longer. Wash it off when you no longer need it. Avoid going outside at dusk, which is the peak feeding time for most mosquitoes. Keeping your skin covered is another option. I have found that sun sleeves (which you wear on your arms to prevent sunburn and aging effects of sunlight) also seem to protect me from mosquito bites.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
