Doctors Identify 4 Types Of People At Higher Risk For Mosquito Bites

BOSTON (CBS) — Do you get eaten up by mosquitoes, while others get off scot-free?  Doctors say there are four types of people at higher risk of the bite. Every time she goes outside, Kelly Clark now thinks about protecting herself from mosquitoes. “I’m pretty concerned so I use DEET products and I’m pretty consistent about it,” Kelly explains. But as she enjoys a glass of wine, she’s unaware that each sip makes her more appealing to these pesky insects which can spread viruses like West Nile and Zika. “The theory is alcohol may raise your body temperature a little bit and make more attractive to mosquitoes,” says Dr. Jon Steadman, an emergency medicine physician at the Medical Center of McKinney. Experts say those who drink alcohol are among the four types of people more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.  The others are expectant mothers, athletes and people with type O blood. “They should enact a lot more precautions and protections against mosquitoes,” explains Dr. Steadman. Studies show women who are pregnant exhale more carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitoes.  So does lactic acid which runners and people who sweat produce more than others. One study found people with type O blood were 83 percent more likely to be bitten, while those with type A blood are least likely to get eaten alive. For people like Kelly, avoiding a little bite from a mosquito isn’t worth certain lifestyle changes. “I’m probably still going to drink win...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local CBS Boston Dr. Mallika Marshall WBZ Source Type: news