Summer is upon us and with it comes more outdoor activities, more sunscreen and, for some, more travel. What you may not expect summer to bring is the risk of the Zika virus. But, U.S. health officials warn that mosquitos carrying the virus could hit the mainland’s southern borders, starting with Florida and the Gulf Coast, in a few weeks.
Whether you’re traveling this summer or you’re staying put, the CDC says the best way to reduce your risk is to avoid bug bites by using repellent and covering your skin. If possible while traveling, choose hotels with screens or air-conditioning. While using both sunscreen and repellent, apply the sunscreen first, let it dry and then apply the repellent. However, you do not want to use products that contain both sunscreen and repellent and you should not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are most at risk for the virus and should take every possible precaution and are advised to avoid affected areas. A current list of countries where Zika is active can be found on the CDC’s main site – www.cdc.gov.
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