Tips for Protecting Your Health After a Hurricane

Protecting your health after a hurricane is just important as getting the rest of your life back on track. At PROVOKE Health, we’re committed to empowering you to take control of your health, especially when facing challenges brought on by extreme weather. With Hurricane Milton in mind, it’s essential to be prepared for the health risks that come with heavy rains and flooding.

Two major concerns right now are Vibrio vulnificus infections and mosquito-borne diseases. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family in the days after a hurricane.

Avoiding Vibrio vulnificus: What You Need to Know

Vibrio vulnificus is a dangerous bacterium commonly found in warm coastal waters like those near our location Tampa Bay, Florida. After heavy rains and flooding, the risk of infection increases, especially in saltwater environments. Vibrio can enter your body through open wounds or be ingested, causing severe illness, and even lead to life-threatening scenarios.

Who Is at Risk for Vibrio vulnificus?

Certain people are more vulnerable than other to Vibrio infections, including:

• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• Patients living with common liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• Anyone with open wounds, cuts, or scrapes

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve been exposed to floodwaters, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fever and chills
• Rapid heart rate or confusion

If any of these symptoms arise after exposure, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Simple Steps for Protection from Vibrio vulnificus

• Avoid floodwaters: Stay out of standing water, sea water, or salty water during and after a storm.
• Cover wounds: If you have open cuts or wounds, keep them protected with waterproof bandages.
• Clean up properly: After contact with floodwaters, thoroughly wash your skin and wounds with soap and clean water.

Next, you need to know about mosquito-borne diseases that often on the rise after a hurricane.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: The Importance of Draining and Covering

Floodwaters lead to standing water, which can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry dangerous diseases, especially in the warm and humid conditions that often follow a hurricane.

The most effective thing you can do is drain and cover areas susceptible to standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so it’s important to drain any sources of it around your home. This includes:

• Flowerpots, birdbaths, pet bowls
• Buckets, garbage cans, pool covers, and coolers
• Old tires, discarded containers, or anything that collects rainwater

You should also take the following three precautions:

1. Cover yourself: If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks to reduce skin exposure.
2. Use repellent: When it comes to mosquito protection, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends repellents containing active ingredients like picaridin or DEET for their effectiveness and safety. Picaridin, particularly at a 20 percent concentration, offers strong protection against mosquitoes, while DEET (at 20-30 percent) provides long-lasting defense. Both ingredients are considered safe when used correctly, though DEET is not recommended for infants under two months. Always follow product instructions to minimize risks.
3. Protect young children: Use mosquito netting for infants younger than two months, as they cannot safely use repellents.

Extra Precautions for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika. If you’re expecting, take extra care to follow the drain and cover recommendations above.

PROVOKE Health is Here to Help

In the aftermath of a hurricane, your health needs be as much a priority as getting the rest of your life in order. At PROVOKE Health, we’re here to support you in improving your health. If you have any concerns about your health or need guidance on keeping yourself and your family safe, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate these challenges and keep your health and wellness on track.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take proactive steps to protect your health as we weather the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

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Disclaimer: The information in this blog post about protecting yourself after a hurricane is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current medical thinking or practices. No information contained in this blog post should be construed as medical advice from Dr. Matthew Lewis, Functional Healthcare Group, PLLC, or PROVOKE Health, nor is this blog post intended to be a substitute for medical counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this blog post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this blog post without seeking the appropriate medical advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a licensed medical professional in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.