Warm weather is prime time for outdoor activity, like walking, hiking, jogging, camping and yard work.
Though these are healthy things to do, warm weather is also prime time for ticks.
Tick season means you should practice extra caution when outdoors as well as know the signs and symptoms of tick bites and Lyme disease.
Learn more below about this and about how Specialty Urgent Care can help if you have been bitten by a tick.
Symptoms, signs and protecting yourself from ticks
Lyme disease is an infection that is bacterial stemming from a blacklegged tick that is infected.
These types of ticks are typically in the woods, among grass that is tall and can even be in your yard.
Though the risk is at its peak during warm summer months, exposure to ticks may happen during any mild weather.
It’s important to know that not all ticks carry the disease. Likewise, every tick bite does not cause an infection. Nonetheless, it is key to be able to detect a tick bite early to avoid complications.
Some symptoms of a bite include:
- A rash that is circular or getting larger and may look like a bullseye
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
And it is vital to understand that if Lyme disease is not treated, it has the capacity to impact the heart, joints and even the nervous system. Thus, early detection and treatment is imperative.
If you have discovered a tick on your body, you should remove it as soon as you can. You can use tweezers to do so. Then, clean the skin with rubbing alcohol or soap.
You should monitor the bite and your health for up to a few weeks as symptoms may show up later.
Though not every bite needs antibiotics, you should seek care if:
- You are unable to remove the tick
- You develop a rash
- The bite happened somewhere that Lyme disease is prevalent
- The tick was on you for a long period
In some instances, preventative antibiotics may be given to the patient, but an evaluation can determine the best course of care.
Preventing tick bites before they happen can be your best defense.
Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs whenever you are meandering in a wooded area or area of grass, along with applying insect repellent can help protect you.
Likewise, checking your body for ticks following time outdoors and taking a shower immediately after can also go a long way. And don’t forget to inspect your pets, as well.
Don’t ignore the signs
When it comes to tick bites, it is wise to err on the side of caution.
While most do not lead to Lyme disease, if you have been bitten by a tick or recently removed a tick from your skin, or if a rash is developing, we encourage you to seek care before things get worse.
Specialty Urgent Care is here for you with testing, care and quick evaluations with little to no wait time.
When time is of the essence and you don’t want to wait to see a family doctor, we invite you to come to our clinic. Our passion is providing exceptional care to all of our patients.