TO THE MEDICALEXAMINER

By popular demand we’re making at-cost subscriptions available for the convenience of our readers. If you live beyond the Aiken-Augusta area, or miss issues between doctor’s appointments — don’t you hate it when that happens? — we’ll command your mail carrier to bring every issue to your house!

Dear Advice Doctor,

Ever since the pandemic, my husband has gotten more and more paranoid. He was and is anti-vax, of course, and did not believe there ever was a pandemic. He views global warming as a hoax too. But those were all national and global issues. These days it’s up close and personal: he thinks our house is bugged. How can I convince him that’s not even logical?

— Looking for a little sanity

Choose six months for $22 or one year for $40 . Mail this completed form with payment to Augusta Medical Examiner, PO Box 397, Augusta GA 30903- 0397

Dear Looking,

Thank you for sending me this question. I hope the answer will be beneficial to many people.

Your point of view is plainly evident from the tone of your letter, so I know I am about to disappoint you: your husband is absolutely right to be concerned.

And it isn’t just me saying this, either. Many health organizations warn about the dangers of bugs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an A to Z information directory that runs the gamut from bees and bed bugs all the way to ticks and fleas. Just think about the common bugs that spread disease: flies, ticks, roaches, mosquitoes and more; and the list of diseases they spread is even longer: Lyme disease, Zika, dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, plague (yes, even in 2023), Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and numerous others.

We happen to live in a semi-tropical part of the world (at least it feels that way this time of year), so bugs can be more of an issue here than they might be in a northern climate. However, most areas of the world have their own particular brand of pests, and summertime travelers should be alert to any insect dangers at their vacation destination.

The EPA website has a list of safe and effective insect repellents for all populations, including women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, and (with certain precautions) babies and children. One word of advice they offer: if using sunscreen (highly recommended), apply insect repellent after applying sunscreen.

It’s not enough to simply acknowledge that your husband wins this round; it’s important to take action. Make sure there is no standing water in the yard — or inside, such as saucers under houseplants — where mosquitoes can breed. Change water in bird feeders and fountains at least once a week. Get rid of those bugs!

Thanks again for writing. I hope I answered your question. Do you have a question for The Advice Doctor about life, love, personal relationships, career, raising children, or any other important topic? Send it to News@AugustaRx.com. Replies will be provided only in the Examiner.