Education
What is Icaridin?
Icaridin, also known as picaridin, is an insect repellent which can be used directly on skin or clothing. It has efficacy against mosquitoes, ticks and black flies and is almost colorless and odorless.
It has low levels of toxicity, and is a longer lasting effective alternative to DEET. It has been shown to be just as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitos, It can also be used on children 6 months and older. Aside from being approved for children over 6 months old, icaridin lasts up to 12 hours and is clean, and non-messy to apply. It dries instantly and doesn’t leave a greasy feel on skin.
What is DEET?
DEET has been in existence since the 1940’s and is one of the most effective ingredients used to repel biting insects. DEET helps to prevent bug bites but more importantly, it helps defend against serious illness such as Lyme disease or West Nile virus.
When deciding what product is right for you consider your activities and how long you plan to be outdoors. The percentage concentration of DEET determines how long the product will remain active.
Is DEET Safe?
When applied as directed DEET can be safely used. Health Canada recommends up to 30% concentration for adults and children older than 12 years of age. For children aged 2 to 12 years, up to 10% concentration.
What diseases do I need to worry about when it comes to mosquitos?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infectious disease that first appeared in Canada in 2002. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus that causes it. People who get WNV usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
According to the Government of Canada West Nile virus is usually spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. In very rare cases, West Nile virus can be spread through:
- blood transfusion
- organ or tissue transplants
- pregnancy (from mothers to unborn babies)
- breast milk
- exposure of laboratory workers to infected medical specimens
You cannot get West Nile virus by:
- donating blood
- touching or kissing a person with the virus
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus infection in humans. Patients are treated for their symptoms. You may have mild symptoms like:
- low fever
- body aches
You are most likely to get better in a few days. In some cases of mild illness, recovery times can be somewhat longer (weeks or months).
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce your fever and discomfort.
See a health care provider right away if you have more serious symptoms like:
- rapid onset of severe headache
- high fever
- stiff neck
- nausea and/or vomiting
- difficulty swallowing
- drowsiness
- confusion
Other serious symptoms include:
- loss of consciousness
- lack of coordination
- muscle weakness
- paralysis
A blood test can confirm whether West Nile virus is present.
Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies, including:
- injecting fluids directly into the veins
- fluids
- medication
- breathing support
Hospitalization or nursing care may be necessary.
