Protection Measures for Insect Bites

5-6 weeks pregnant, Health advice, Postnatal, Your questions

If you would like to learn about recommendations, go to Official Recommendations for the Zika virus.

There are many ways to protect yourself from insect bites. Here are suggestions from the Government of Canada to better protect yourself from bites from mosquitoes infected with Zika. From this list of precautions, in case of pregnancy, you must request products specifically recommended for you from your health professional.

1) Cover up:

Wear long-sleeved pale coloured shirts tucked into your pants, shoes (avoid sandals) and a hat. In places infected with ticks, you can also close your pant legs with tape or tuck them into your socks, your shoes or your boots.

2) Apply repellant on your exposed skin:

  • In Canada, DEET or icaridin based repellants (also called picaridin) are the most effective.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s indications.
  • Make sure that products are approved before using them on children and avoid applying repellants to their hands.
  • Don’t apply repellants to irritated skin, cuts and scrapes.
  • Avoid spraying repellants directly on the face.
  • Wash your hands after application to avoid contact with lips and eyes.
  • It’s not recommended to use products that include both a repellant and sunscreen.
  • However, if you use sunscreen and a DEET based repellant, first apply the sunscreen and let it penetrate the skin for about 15 minutes before applying the repellant.
  • If you travel in regions where the risk of insect-borne illnesses is high, repeatedly apply the repellant as needed. If a mosquito bites you and the period indicated on the label hasn’t ended, it’s recommended that you apply a new layer of repellant.
  • If you reduce to a minimum the amount of repellant used, apply it during the period of the day when insects are most active and when you’re more likely to be exposed.

Photo : Virus Zika et la grossesse - moustiquaire de lit3) Evaluate your lodgings:

  • Stay in places where openings have screens or in closed air-conditioned spaces.
  • Avoid staying in dwellings made of mud, adobe or peat (sticks or plant leaves used for the roof).

4) Sleep under a mosquito net which has been treated with insecticide:

  • Ensure that the mosquito net is intact (no rips).
  • Tuck the mosquito net under the mattress.
  • Make sure that the net doesn’t touch you (if not, you can be bitten through the net).
  • Use the net to protect young children when they’re in a baby crib, cradle or stroller.

5) For better protection, apply permethrin-based repellants on your clothes and other travel accessories:

  • Permethrin isn’t sold in Canada, but Santé-Voyage clinics can tell you how to buy it or pre-treated materials before your travels.
  • Treating clothing with permethrin is effective for several washes.
  • If you treat your clothing yourself, please follow the product’s instructions attentively.
  • Avoid spraying permethrin directly on your skin.

To prepare for your return from your travels, read the entry The Return Home.

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Preparing your Stay in the Hospital

Preparing your Stay in the Hospital

Who will go with you to the hospital? What papers do you need to fill in before admission? What is
Infertility

Infertility

Date: April 3, 2018 Theme: Infertility In this video, I welcome Dr. Belina Carranza, a reproductive and fertility endocrinologist. She
Naturopathy, Pregnancy and the Baby

Naturopathy, Pregnancy and the Baby

Pregnant or breastfeeding women can care for certain physical and emotional issues with approved natural or homeopathic products. This also
Prematurity

Prematurity

In this video, I am accompanied by Dr. Véronique G. Dorval, a neonatologist and director of the Neonatal Clinic at

Discover other articles

How can I know if my pelvic floor is losing its tone?

How can I know if my pelvic floor is losing its tone?

To learn about the causes of a weakened pelvic floor, go to the previous part called The Main Causes of the Weakening of the Pelvic
My baby is constipated!

My baby is constipated!

Marie, my name is Rachel, and I am worried because my six-week-old baby is constipated. Most of the time he is fine, but when he
Can I use raspberry herbal tea to increase my milk production?

Can I use raspberry herbal tea to increase my milk production?

Marie, I would like to increase my milk production naturally, and some of my friends told me about raspberry herbal tea. Can I use it
Why did the nurse give my newborn a injection in the thigh?

Why did the nurse give my newborn a injection in the thigh?

Marie, can you tell me why the nurse gave my baby an injection in the thigh after delivery? I was too tired to ask the

Protection Measures for Insect Bites

Par Marie Fortier Temps de lecture: 2 min
0