O Blood Group Turns Out To Be More Liked By Mosquitoes, Here's The Scientific Explanation

Have you ever felt that you were an easy target for mosquitoes, while the people next to you looked safe? This phenomenon is not just feelings, but there is a scientific explanation. Mosquitoes turn out to be selective insects and there are certain people who are more susceptible to being bitten.

A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes are more frequent in people with blood type O, almost double compared to those with blood type A. This is related to body secretion substances that give 'codes' to mosquitoes regarding a person's blood type.

Entomology professor from the University of Florida, Jonathan F. Day, explained that further research is still needed regarding the preference of mosquitoes for blood types. However, he agreed that there were certain signs from the human body that made mosquitoes more interested.

These conditions tell them that there is a source of blood. Maybe carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important. People with high metabolism emit more CO2 and that makes them more attractive to mosquitoes," Day said, quoted from the HuffPost page.

In addition to CO2, there is also secondary cues or secondary signal. One of them is lactic acid that is released through the skin when the body sweats, especially after exercise.

"Asam laktat gives a signal to mosquitoes that we are the target," said Day.

Visual factors also play a role. Mosquitoes have sharp vision and fly near the ground to avoid the wind.

"How you dress is influential. Dark clothes make you more prominent in the horizon, so it is more attractive to mosquitoes," added Day.

Sore, mosquitoes also respond to tactile signs such as body temperature.

"Body heat is an important clue. People with higher body temperatures or blood near the surface of the skin are more at risk of being bitten," explained Day.

According to dr. Melissa Piliang from Cleveland Clinic, lifestyles can also affect the risk of a bite.

"If the body temperature is higher because of exercise, moving a lot, or consuming alcohol, you are more attractive to mosquitoes," said Piliang.

"Excessive pregnancy or weight also increases metabolism, so the risk is greater," he continued.

Other studies show that by drinking only one can of beer, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito increases.

"If you work all day in the yard, then stop at dusk while drinking beer on the terrace, you must be more vulnerable," said Piliang.

Although there are people who are more vulnerable, it does not mean that mosquito bites cannot be prevented.

"One of the best ways is to avoid the peak time of mosquito activity, namely when the sun rises and sets," explained Day.

In addition, covering the skin with long clothes is also effective.

"I like fishing clothes and light but closed outdoor pants, because it blocks mosquitoes," added Day.

The use of repelllet (drug mosquito oles or spray) is also recommended. Products with DEET of around 5% can provide protection for up to 90 minutes. Despite debate over the health effects of DEET, the Environmental Protection Agency insists normal use is not risky, even for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding.

"DEET is the most effective. If you are in an area prone to mosquitoes, use enough and then take a shower after that," said Piliang.

While the aroma candles of the soap opera have not been scientifically proven, fans can actually help.

"It doesn't fly well in windy air, so fans are simple choices," said Piliang.

The body's response to the bite varies depending on the allergy to the substance in mosquito saliva. If you feel itchy, don't scratch.

"If you scratch, the histamins come out more and the itching gets worse. There can be wounds, infections, and even scars," explained Piliang.

A simple way of relaxing itching is with an ice compress.

"Cold sensation uses the same neural path as itching, so itching can disappear immediately." said Piliang.

Anti-gatal creams that contain light hydrocorticons can also be used two to three times a day. If you bite a lot and are very annoying, antihistamins like Zyrtec or Allegra can help.

But of course, prevention is much better than cure. So before attending BBQ afternoon or sitting relaxed in the yard, make sure you are ready for an anti-muak strategy.