Given time to study them, it is possible that I may find a way to repel them, for the time.

For the time being, please find some strong liquid soap. [Suggesting this is... well, he doesn't feel right about it, but fleas can be a danger to people with poor immune systems, and... well... He'll just have to figure everything out quickly.] Apply it around your neck and submerge yourself in hot water.

It will not eliminate the problem, but it will help, I believe. Keep in mind not to rinse off the soap until you are ready to shower.