Health Tip: Defend Against Insect Bites While Traveling Abroad

(HealthDay News) -- If you're traveling abroad, taking precautions to prevent insect bites can help reduce the risk of illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists these suggestions to help protect against insect bites and the diseases they transmit:

• Avoid traveling to places where there is an outbreak of a disease.

• Adjust your plans and activities so as to avoid peak exposure times and locations.

• Protect skin by wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats, boots and insect repellent on your clothing to prevent insects from reaching your skin.

• Carefully inspect your clothing and skin at the end of the day to look for ticks.

• Use a bed net if you are staying in a place that isn't properly air-conditioned or screened.

• Consider using insect repellents and insecticides, as well as products that repel insects from your room.