Summer is here! By now, you should be totally prepared for the sun, the heat, and making sure you stay hydrated. But there is one pest we often don’t prepare for – mosquitoes! Those pesky bugs can bring a bite that is painful and itchy. Worst of all, they are one of the main carriers of the West Nile virus.
West Nile is spread through mosquito bites, and can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and a sore throat. Today, there aren’t any antiviral medications that treat West Nile virus, or vaccines to prevent it. The best way to reduce your risk is to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Avoid high-risk times, during early morning and sunset
- Use insect repellent
- Cover your skin by wearing lightweight clothes, such as long pants or a long-sleeved shirt
- Regularly empty and clean any areas that may collect water; mosquitoes love standing water!
- Keep doors and windows screened or closed to keep mosquitoes from entering your home
- If you do get bit, you can treat mild symptoms with over-the-counter cold medicine
Most of the time, mosquitoes are just a nuisance that like to disrupt our summer adventures. Staying proactive is always the best way to stay bite-free!