Mosquito season is here and it is so important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

In this morning's healthy U segment Victoria Burt joins us with more on how to do that.

Who are more at risk for being bitten by insects?
(Mosquitoes select their victims by evaluating scent, exhaled Carbon dioxide and the chemicals in a person’s sweat).
Men ,those with type O blood, overweight individuals, and those wearing dark clothes which attach heat.

What are the different levels of allergic reactions and how are they treated?
Most reactions to insect bites are mild; the venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction depends on a person’s sensitivity to the venom or other substance

Mild cases most common, local reaction at the site of the bite or sting; goes away after a few hours or days.
Hives, pain, swelling, and burning or numbness.

Treatment is designed to prevent a skin infection:
Wash the area with soap and water, avoid scratching, do not break the blisters, and use OTC antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin for irritation.

What about for the pain, itching, and swelling?
Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first 6 hours.
Afterwards if there is no swelling, use a warm clothe for comfort.
Elevate the area
Use OTC medicine
Antihistamine-- Benadryl or Claritin
Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion

Moderate cases--Symptoms may worsen without medical care. They include swelling that has gradually or suddenly increased, across 2 large joints (for example, from the elbow to the shoulder or

Have 2 or more of the following flu-like symptoms such as
Fever with shaking and chills, headache or vomiting, muscle cramps/ spasms or joint aches, rash, swollen glands or general feeling of illness.

Beginning within a few minutes or up to 3 weeks after a bite or sting
Contact Healthcare Provider for treatment

Severe cases Require urgent medical care include
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the lips or throat
Feeling light-headed or dizzy
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions
If you have had a severe allergic reaction, you should see your heath care provider for an allergy KIT and wear a medical alert ID tag

What can be done to prevent insect exposure?
1. Prevent bites and stings:
Apply insect repellant before going outdoors.
Follow direction
Apply to clothing and shoes,
Wash the insect repellent off when returning indoors.
Wear light-colored clothes
Avoid wearing perfumed lotions, aftershave, or scented hair products
Avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn
Wear gloves when working in the yard

2. Clean surroundings:
Clear away clutter (old furniture, tires, junk, newspaper, and old clothes)
Eliminate standing water (Mosquitoes need stagnant or standing water to breed).
Check bedding before getting in the bed.
Check shoes before putting them on.
Consider spraying insecticides on any high-risk areas

What about insect repellents, are they safe?
Insect repellents simply make it more difficult for insects to find you.

DEET. Recommended by the EPA and American Academy of Pediatric
Safe for children older than 2 months

PICARDIAN: Protects similar to DEET without the odor.

OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: provides some protection that's comparable to low concentrations of DEET. For children older than 3 years of age.
OTHERS: Citronella Shorter acting repellents —may offer limited protection.

Are there other methods of controlling mosquitoes and insects?
They include:
Bug zappers
Citronella-scented candles
Yellow outdoor bug lights
Attracting birds and animals that feed on mosquitoes, such as purple martins and bats

(They are popular; their effectiveness has not been proven)