Ozarks Local, page 1:
Cover Story:
West Nile virus still a threat to seniors!
By Matilda Charles
In many parts of the United States, the presence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus is still high enough to be of concern to health authorities because it means there is still a risk of being infected with the potentially deadly microbe.
Infection by the West Nile virus can be serious in most people but more so for seniors -- especially those whose immune systems are impaired by chronic conditions or certain medications. In some cases, the infection can be lethal. To prevent or reduce the risk of being infected, follow these guidelines:
1.Avoid being outdoors during dawn, dusk and early evening. It's at these times that the virus-carrying mosquitoes are most active.
2.Be sure your door and window screens fit tightly to keep the insects out.
3.Be proactive in reducing the mosquito population. That means, instead of relying on ultrasonic devices or electric bug zappers -- or even encouraging mosquito-eating birds or bats to visit your back yard -- do the job yourself by keeping the critters from being hatched in the first place.
Remove all standing water from wherever it has or can accumulate. Discard old tires, tin cans, pots or any receptacle that may hold water. Don't allow the water that drains from your flowerpots to sit in their underlying dishes or platters. Drain, thoroughly clean and refill your birdbaths at least once a week. Keep your gutters clean so that water does not accumulate in old leaves or other debris.
4.When you go outside, cover up and apply a mosquito-repellant such as DEET. (NOTE: Check with your doctor to make sure you can tolerate this product. If not, there may be other preparations you can use.)
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(Read other stories from this page: "Properly helping children with learning disabilities" or "Our sports... 1 year ago")
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