6 Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites & Viruses

Don’t let the cooler weather fool you, mosquito season is not over. More than a pest, these buzzing insects can carry and spread dangerous diseases to both humans and animals. Here in Michigan, health officials are advising residents to take precautions after several residents became infected with the mosquito-borne virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The only way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid being bitten by them.

Until the nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued the following recommendations to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites:

  1. Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
  2. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
  3. Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA- approved product to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use
  4. Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas
  5. Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings
  6. Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs
    For those that work outdoors or cannot avoid being outdoors at dusk or dawn, be diligent about using insect repellent, and cover as much of your skin as possible.

If you’re concerned about or experiencing symptoms from a mosquito bite, reach out to your primary care physician: Make An Appointment

Or visit an Urgent Care location near you: Save Your Spot

Read the press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Equine Encephalitis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/gen/qa.html

Urgent Care Vs. Emergency Room

We’ve all been there as patients; sick on the weekend, trip and twist an ankle. What do you do if your primary care doctor is gone for the day or weekend?

Non-life-threatening emergencies can be treated at an urgent care. If you’re having a life-threatening emergency such as chest pain or a serious head injury, a trip to the emergency room is in order.

What is considered an emergency?

  • severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • compound fracture (bone protrudes through skin)
  • convulsions, seizures or loss of consciousness
  • fever in newborn younger than 3 months old
  • deep knife or gunshot wounds
  • moderate to severe burns covering a large area of the body
  • poisoning
  • severe head, neck or back injury
  • pregnancy-related problems
  • severe abdominal pain
  • signs of a heart attack (chest pain lasting longer than two minutes)
  • signs of stroke (loss of vision, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech)
  • suicidal or homicidal feelings

What is considered a non-life-threatening urgent medical condition?

  • accidents and falls resulting in extremity or minor head injury
  • sprains and strains
  • back pain
  • breathing difficulties (mild to moderate asthma)
  • bleeding/cuts (requiring sutures)
  • eye irritation and redness
  • fever or flu
  • vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
  • severe sore throat or cough
  • minor broken bones and fractures (fingers, toes)
  • skin rashes and infections
  • urinary tract infections
  • mild to moderate allergic reactions
  • seasonal allergies
  • headaches

If you’re in doubt, get it checked out. Sometimes you may feel fine after a trip or fall, but could/will feel worse the next day when inflammation and pain set in.

IHA Call Center Triage Nurses and Office Triage Nurses can be utilized to assist in decision making on where to go. Call us first: 734.995.2950

IHA has three urgent care locations and one after hours location, all open after normal work hours and on the weekends, with slightly altered hours on holidays. Click here for a comprehensive service list for our locations.

Locations

IHA After Hours Care – Brighton

IHA Urgent Care – Domino’s Farms

IHA Urgent Care – Livingston

IHA Urgent Care – WestArbor

This article was originally published on September 29, 2014, and was updated on November 18, 2016.

Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia

With the recent snow that blew through and the temperatures that are going to stay low over the next few days, many of us are still digging out our cars or way out of our driveways. Anyone can end up with frostbite or hypothermia, it’s important to know the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those that are at higher risk and are more susceptible to extremely cold weather. Some groups that be at higher risk include:

  • Very young children and our older senior population
  • Diabetic patients and other with conditions leading to poor circulation
  • Patients with heart conditions or those who take beta blockers

Don’t Ignore Shivering!

When you’re exposed to cold temperatures your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will use up your body’s energy, resulting in hypothermia. Some warning signs of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Trembling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred Speech
  • Drowsiness

If you notice any of these signs, please seek immediate medical attention.

Frostbite is literally the freezing of body tissue; fingers, toes, ears and nose are the most vulnerable. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, or shorter exposure to extremely cold temperatures. The warning signs of frostbite are:

  • Red or pale skin
  • Prickling
  • numbness

Frostbite and hypothermia can be prevented; here are some tips to help keep you safe:

  • Limit the time you’re outside in cold, wet or windy weather
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing
  • Wear a hat or headband that fully covers your ears
  • Wear mittens rather than gloves
  • Wear socks and liners that fit well and wick moisture
  • Keep moving

 

 

 

IHA Domino’s Farms Medical Center Now Open!

We’re excited to announce the opening of the brand new IHA Domino’s Farms Medical Center. The state-of-the-art 42,000 square-foot building, located on Whitehall Rd. near Earhart Rd., is the new home to a variety of IHA practices, including a new Urgent Care location, open 14 hours a day Monday-Friday, and 10 hours Saturday and Sunday. Other patient-centered programs and services being offered are: pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, certified nurse midwives, dermatology, pediatric neurology, imaging and ultrasound, travel medicine, physical therapy and lab services. We look forward to welcoming you to this new kind of medical center – one that is centered on you!

 

 

First Floor

IHA Imaging & Ultrasound – Domino’s Farms
734.434.0539

IHA Internal Medicine – Domino’s Farms
734.995-0303

IHA Midwest Travel Care
734.995.0308

St. Joseph Mercy Clinical Laboratory
734.712.7136

IHA Urgent Care –Domino’s Farms
Open 7 days a week, including holidays
Monday-Friday 8:00am-10:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-7:00pm
734.995.0308

Second Floor

IHA Primary Pediatrics – Domino’s Farms
734.677 DERM (3376)

IHA Pediatric Neurology Consultants
734.622.5000

IHA Dermatology– Domino’s Farms
734.769.3896

St. Joseph Mercy Physical Therapy
734.712.7171

Third Floor

IHA Ann Arbor OB/GYN– Domino’s Farms
734.434.0477

IHA Nurse Midwives
734.572.9600