Tick season is here again along with the worry of Lyme Disease. According to CDC statistics, approximately 300,000 people in the US are diagnosed and treated every year. However, only about 35,000 cases get reported. Testing for Lyme Disease early often produces false negatives and it is important to start treatment early to prevent complications. Many doctors treat when suggestive symptoms are present or there is a high-risk tick bite.
What should you do if you were bit by a tick?
- The best treatment is prevention. Tick bites are more common in wooded areas. DEET-containing insect repellant is advised as well as wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
- Do regular tick checks when coming indoors. Ticks can often bite in unexpected areas, such as the scalp where they are hidden by the hair. Make sure to check your kids as well when they come from outside, especially if you live near a wooded area.
- Treat your pets. There are medications available to help your pets stay free of ticks. It is not only best for us, but it also protects our furry family members in whom Lyme Disease can be fatal.
- Remove the tick the right way. Do not burn them or apply things you believe toxic to them such as rubbing alcohol. Use tweezers and detach them from the head next to the skin making sure all parts are removed. If you’re unsure how to do this, go to your doctor who can do it for you.
- Bring the tick in for analysis. Not all ticks transmit Lyme Disease. If you’re not sure what type of tick it is, bring it to your doctor who can send it for species analysis.
- If it is a deer tick, a single dose of an antibiotic can prevent disease. See your doctor sooner rather than later. No need to wait for symptoms to appear.
- Watch for signs and symptoms. If any develop, notify your doctor immediately. If such signs appear, you will need to be on antibiotics for a longer period of time. Again, sooner is better. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to host of problems such as arthritis, carditis, meningitis, etc. These complications may require weeks of intravenous antibiotics to clear the infection.
The fear of Lyme Disease should not prevent us from doing the things we enjoy. Have fun but take precautions and if any concerns arise, don’t put them off for later.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2023 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
