Health & Fitness
Don’t Let Bugs Take a Bite Out of Your Summer Fun
Delighting in the warm weather, insects came out early and are here for the duration of this long, hot summer!
By Julie Busch, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist
St. Anthony’s Medical Center
Missourians enjoyed a mild winter and warm early spring. Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones. Delighting in the warm weather, insects came out early and are here for the duration of this long, hot summer!
The most common nuisance is the mosquito. To avoid the pesky creatures, their itchy bites and the possibility of the West Nile virus, here are some precautions you can take:
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- Stay indoors during peak swarming times – early morning and dusk.
- Apply insect repellant that contains diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) whenever you’re outdoors.
- Wear antiperspirant and light-colored clothing, since perspiration and bright colors attract insects.
- Avoid perfumes or scented hairspray, which also attract insects.
If you’re a fan of camping or hiking or if you live or play in a wooded area, you may be bothered by ticks. Some ticks carry Lyme disease; but it takes 24 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease, so daily checks and prompt removal of ticks will minimize the risk. About 80 percent of individuals with Lyme disease develop a rash near the bite that looks like a bull’s-eye. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, see your physician for possible treatment and testing for Lyme disease. To avoid ticks, cover as much of your skin as possible with clothing, including a hat, and use repellants containing DEET.
To remove an attached tick, apply alcohol or nail polish remover. Then pull it out gently with a tweezers. Wash the affected area to avoid infection.
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With a few precautions, outdoor enthusiasts can happily enjoy nature during the spring and summer– without being bugged.
Dr. Julie Busch, a family practitioner, is a member of St. Anthony’s Physician Organization. She practices at Kirkwood Family Medicine, 10296 Big Bend Blvd., 314-543-5943. For a referral to any St. Anthony’s physician, call 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 1-800-554-9550.