West NIle Virus and Your Child

Here's a health tip (and a plug) from the folks at Centennial Medical Plaza.

Symptoms of West Nile virus in children While it is rare for a child to contract the West Nile virus, a few children have become infected. All developed only mild, flu-like symptoms.

When to call the doctor If your child has an unrelenting high fever, seems disoriented or dazed, or is extremely sensitive to light, call your pediatrician immediately.

Information about DEET
DEET is the active ingredient in insect repellents. You may see it as (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) on the container. DEET does not kill the mosquitoes; it just makes them unable to locate people. You may see mosquitoes flying around you, but if they're not biting there's no reason to reapply repellent. The more DEET a repellant contains, the longer it can protect you. A higher percentage of DEET doesn't mean it will protect you more, just longer. DEET is OK for use on infants over two months old.

Insect repellent safety guidelines

* Don't use sunscreen with DEET; apply sunscreen and insect repellent separately. Apply sunscreen first, then the insect repellent. Because sunscreen washes off easily, it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. Repeatedly applying DEET may increase the toxic effects of DEET and be harmful. * Don't apply insect repellent under children's clothing. It's OK to apply repellent to your clothing rather than directly to your skin. * Don't use insect repellent on children's hands (children tend to put them in their mouth or rub their eyes). * Don't use aerosol or pump products directly on your child's face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over your child's face, avoiding eyes, mouth, and forehead using it sparingly around ears. * Don't apply around cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. * Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors, along with the clothes your children were wearing. * Don't spray in enclosed areas or near food. * Follow the directions on the product you're using to determine how frequently you should apply it. * Don't allow young children to apply insect repellent themselves - have an adult do it. * Concentration of DEET should not be more than 30 percent.

Should your child ever need emergency care, you rest easy knowing that our 24-hour Emergency Department is staffed with pediatric physicians during peak hours; 5-10 pm on weekdays and 12-10pm on weekends! We are also known for our fast turn around times (half the time compared to most facilities!) Our location is also convenient - you will find us on the southwest corner of the Arapahoe Road and Jordan intersection in Centennial.

This health tip is brought to you by Centennial Medical Plaza. Reach us at 303-699-3077 or visit our website at www.centennialmedicalplaza.com.