Experts: Drinking Alcohol Can Make You More Susceptible To Mosquito Bites
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is no evidence that there are any Zika infected mosquitoes in our area, but bug bites should be avoided anyway. But that's not always so easy.
About 20 percent of people, are especially delicious to mosquitoes, and get bitten more often than others. It's all about how you smell.
Like many Kelly Clark worries about mosquito bites. "I'm pretty concerned so I use DEET products and pretty consistent about it," she says. But drinking wine could make her more appealing to mosquitoes.
Dr. Jon Steadman an emergency medicine physician explains:
"The theory is alcohol may raise your body temperature a little bit and make more attractive to mosquitoes."
In addition to people who drink, mosquitoes are also more attracted to pregnant women, athletes and people with Type O blood.
Dr. Steadman says, "They should enact a lot more precautions and protections against mosquitoes."
With pregnant woman, studies show they exhale more carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitoes. For athletes, it's the lactic acid that's released by runners and people who sweat. For blood, one study found people with Type O blood were 83 percent more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
People least likely to attract mosquitoes are those with Type A blood.
Experts say no matter your risk, people who are outside around mosquito's should protect themselves with insect repellents that contain DEET. It's the most effective at preventing bug bites.
