Understanding this virus and it's potential effects is important, but more importantly is what you can do to protect yourself and take care of yourself should you show any symptoms.
Most people don't notice that they have any of the symptoms at all, they can mimic a cold/flu and even have similarities to allergies. The more severe symptoms include; confusion, coma, muscle weakness and stiff neck.Prevention -
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent contracting this virus :) How do you do that?
- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants - mosquito's are most attracted to areas where your skin is exposed, because the smell you give off is stronger there.
- Drain pools of standing water - anywhere
- Between dusk and dawn either spend less time outside or use mosquito spray
- use bug zappers, tiki posts, citronella candles
Now there are a lot of options out there concerning mosquito spray - the question is, what is best? Answer - NONE! They all contain a harmful chemical called DEET, which according to the precautions from American Pediatrics, this is a known neurotoxin, causing harmful damage. They recommend the following -
- don't use any brand with more than a 10% concentration, especially on kids - just reapply more often
- do not spray on face
- do not spray on skin then cover with clothing - only spray on exposed skin
- never use inside - wash off when coming in from outside - chemicals are still even to strong to be inside.
- spray on hands and then apply to children, making sure to wash hands well before eating or touching anything else.
These sound like pretty extensive precautions when it comes to using a mosquito spray. To me if it is not safe to have on underneath clothing, or be used inside, then I don't want anything to do with it! That is why I choose to use essential oils, and in this particular case, Eucalyptus Citriadora.
The Better Choice!
Euc. Citriadora is safe for everyone to use and is non-toxic, having NO contraindications. That means you can use it anywhere on the body, under clothing and even inside and everyone will be safe!It is an analgesic, anti-fungal, anti - inflammatory, anti-infections, bacteriacide, anti-spasmodic and a sedative to name a few of it's capabilities and benefits. In this case with being a mosquito repellent, it is as effective as DEET without all the harmful side effects. You will reapply it just as often as the 10% concentration of DEET and it will keep you and your family bug free all season :)
To make this homemade bug spray use the following -
A 10% dilution in grapeseed oil. ( using water will only make it evaporate faster)
- 20 drops equals 1 ml
- 1 oz bottle - 3 ml of Euc. Citriadora
- 2 oz bottle - 6 ml of Euc. Citriadora
- Spray and rub in
- It is safe to put on your face, just not to close to your eyes or lips.
- If you notice anything starting to hover around you, you know it is time to spray again.
Now we aren't always best at remembering to continue spraying, or there might be that one spot we miss. So what to do if you get bit?
First apply Oregano/Lavender Blend. This is a GREAT anti-septic and will start the process of stopping the mosquito's poison from spreading. Then follow up with applying a TeaTree/Lavender blend every half hour. This is also another great anti-septic and
anti-bacterial. Both these blends are also great to put on any bug bites like spiders, scrapes and scratches. The blend of oils increases each others abilities, making it a powerful ointment for just about anything!Recipe's for the blends -
Oregano/Lavender- In a 10 ml bottle
- 30 drops Oregano
- 30 drops Lavender
- Rest of Bottle with Grapeseed
Tea Tree/ Lavender - in a 5 or 10 ml bottle- Fill half with Tea Tree then other half with Lavender
If you follow these precautions, not only can you have the benefit of a bite free season, but if one gets you, you know you are well protected with using the essential oils.
If you or someone you know has any complications that might be West Nile, or any other virus/bacteria, please refer to the Infectious Disease Paper here.
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