Jan
16
Protecting Your Kids Against the West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus has been a constant threat in many of the US states today. In absence of a vaccine and effective treatment, prevention seems to be the best solution in fighting off the infection. With the threat still not under control, it seems that people may need to be more vigilant and be more knowledgeable in trying to make their homes free from the West Nile Virus.
It is possible to make homes pose a lesser risk to the West Nile Virus. It all comes down to controlling mosquito breeding areas around the home. Using pesticides that target mosquitoes can also help make homes protected from the West Nile Virus threat.
Another thing to consider when protecting your home is the kids. Although the said virus may not be a high risk for your children, you might still need to protect them from being possible victims, considering that they are often outside the home and may be likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
When protecting kids form mosquitoes, it is always important to keep them properly covered when they go out of doors. When you decide to let the kids play in the yard, you might consider having them wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks and a hat to keep as much of the skin area covered as possible. This is especially important during summer, the time when the mosquitoes are usually out and about.
Another way to help your kids avoid mosquitoes is to use kid-friendly repellent whenever they go out to play. There are different kinds of repellents available in different concentrations. It is important for parent to know which ones are effective for use in children. One type of repellent effective against mosquitoes is DEET. A repellent with 10 percent DEET is considered safe for use on children.
Another way to keep mosquitoes from bothering your kids is by not attracting them. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and may bother more those who wear black or blue outfits when going outside. Having your kids wear light colored clothing can help them become less attractive to the disturbing insects.
It is important to know that certain fragrances can also help attract mosquitoes and other insects. As much as possible try to avoid using scented soap and other fragrant products on your kids so as not to make them attractive to mosquitoes.
Keeping your kids safe from mosquitoes is one way of trying to protect them from the West Nile Virus. By following the tips above, you might be able to make your own home more secure from being threatened by the said virus. By trying to help your own home and protecting your family, you are also doing your part in trying to limit the threat of the West Nile Virus in your area.