Overly wet seasons in many parts of the country can lead to concerns in the warmer months. Over-abundant blooms from plants and trees are leading to many people experiencing heightened allergic reactions. Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and even small breakouts on the skin might plague you. My doctor recommended either Allegra or Zyrtec. More severe symptoms require an appointment to the doctor.
Mosquito-Borne Disease Risks
Additional rain could lead to more mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Zika Virus. The good news is that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), no confirmed Zika virus cases have been reported in the United States since 2019. (Zika virus made headlines from 2015 - 2017.)
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat this in people. Fortunately, most people do not feel sick. However, about 1 in 5 may develop a fever, and 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness.
Protection Tips That Work
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of registered repellents that prove safe and effective when used as directed. You can check their website for suggestions: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you.
Dress in clothing that covers arms and legs. When outside, particularly at dawn and dusk, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check home screens on your doors and windows for openings. Remove breeding areas by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly. Be on the lookout for standing water in vacant lots and stagnant swimming pool water & notify your city or county officials.
While I do heed all these suggestions, spritzing myself with the gold-colored Listerine is a helpful deterrent for me. Also, a lighted citronella candle helps when sitting on my patio.
So don't let a pesky mosquito take a 'bite' out of your summer fun times! Just be aware & be cautious. Stay safe.
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
Sharon's mosquito advice is especially important for those of us in retirement years. As we age, our immune systems can become less robust, which means mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus might hit us harder than younger folks. Here in Arizona, we see fewer mosquitoes than humid climates, but standing water around pools, bird baths, and irrigation systems can still create breeding spots, particularly during our monsoon season from June through September.
One thing many people ask me is whether Medicare covers treatment for mosquito-borne illnesses. The good news is that Medicare Part B covers medically necessary doctor visits and treatments for conditions like West Nile Virus. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure you understand your network coverage before seeking treatment. Most plans also cover preventive care visits where your doctor can discuss protection strategies, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or heart disease that might make you more vulnerable to complications.
A little preparation today can make your summer evenings on the patio much more enjoyable tomorrow.