Preventing Zika Virus during travel?

The Zika virus is prominent in certain areas of the world like Mexico or South America. While the chances of contracting the disease in the ASEAN region is lower than western, it is still possible to get the disease while travelling as we never know what can happen.

Although it is tough to say for sure that we can prevent getting the disease at all it is best to prepare and do our utmost best in prevention. There is currently no vaccine for the disease so it is best that we be cautious about our surroundings and our health while travelling.

Here're three things we think might be able to help.

Long sleeves

When visiting a place that is hot and humid with the occasional rain that allows mosquitoes to breed well, it's best to be prepared and protect ourselves from harm. Wearing long sleeved clothing keep bare skin away from a mosquito's reach.

Sleeping in an air-conditioned room with windows closed prevents mosquitoes from entering in the night and feeding on us while we're asleep. Long sleeved clothing complement this method well and there is no need to use insect repellent. Although it shouldn't be a problem if we stay in hotels.

Insect repellent

If long sleeve and getting warmed up isn't what you have in mind, try using bug or insect repellent. This allows us to wear short sleeved clothing and still be able to keep ourselves from being targets or victims of nasty mosquitoes.

Do consult a pharmacist if you have sensitive skin issues and clarify if it is safe for young children, toddlers or babies to use insect repellent as some may contain chemicals that may cause them harm.

There are some insect repellent bands or stickers sold on the market if spraying insect repellent directly onto the skin is not an option but it is still a good idea to keep an eye out for their effective periods as some only last for a while.

Mosquito netting

When camping out, mosquitoes are a major concern. Having mosquito netting will reduce the chances of mosquitoes infiltrating the tent and stinging us before the sun is up. Applying insect repellent before bed may act as an extra layer of protection from pesky insects.

Covering a baby's crib with a mosquito netting will keep the worry of babies getting bitten in their sleep.

These are ways one can reduce the chances of being inflicted with the Zika virus. With that, we hope everyone has a great time travelling in the ASEAN region and till next time, safe travels everyone!!