During the summer months, bug bites come with spending time outside. While most insects and bugs are harmless besides being annoying, there are some insects that you should watch out for. Deer ticks are a dangerous insect and it is important to take steps to avoid contact with them. These tiny ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans which can cause serious health concerns. If you are planning some outdoor activities this summer and fall, you should make sure to follow some quick tips on how to avoid tick bites.
If you are bitten by a tick, it is important that you seek medical care immediately. Lyme disease requires early treatment to ensure that the infection can be treated. If left untreated, Lyme disease can have chronic health implications. At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our medical providers are trained to identify signs of Lyme disease to help ensure that you get the treatment you need. Our clinic is conveniently located in Burlington, MA, accepts walk-in patients, and is open 7 days a week, simply walk in for same-day Lyme disease care!
Where Do Ticks Live?
It goes without saying, but the best way to not get bitten by a tick is to not be near them in the first place. Ticks frequently live in shrubbery, tall grass, and wooded areas. If you are playing sports, camping, or just going on a walk outside in a grassy area you may be exposed to deer ticks. Although you don’t necessarily need to avoid areas where ticks live, it is a good idea to stay away from wandering in tall grasses when possible.
If you do plan to spend time outdoors in the grass or in wooded areas you should take steps to reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick while enjoying the outdoors. Ticks can be very small, making them difficult to see or feel on your body.
Tips for Avoiding Ticks While Outdoors
You don’t need to completely avoid the outdoors in order to avoid ticks. There are various ways that you can reduce your risk of coming into contact with a tick. Tick repellent and other pest repellents are very effective in repelling ticks along with other pesky bugs like mosquitoes. Always apply repellent before you plan to be outside in grassy areas. Even if you use repellent, you should avoid having too much exposed skin if possible. This includes avoiding sandals or open-toed shoes and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. This will reduce your chances of picking up a tick while outdoors.
When you come back inside after being outdoors you should always do a visual inspection for any ticks. Doing a check with the help of a friend or a family member is recommended. Check very carefully in places like your armpits, elbow joints, behind the ears, and other hard-to-see areas where ticks can hide.
How to Tell If You Were Bit by a Tick
The risk of developing Lyme disease after a tick bite is high. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, however, it is imperative that you seek early treatment for Lyme disease to prevent symptoms from becoming chronic and worsening over time. The easiest way to determine that you were bit by a tick is to see the tick on your body or find a bullseye rash. Tick bites usually develop a distinct bullseye-shaped rash around the bite site after they detach.
If you do find a tick on your body, you should remove it immediately and take care to get the whole tick including the head. If you think you were bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, extreme fatigue, or find a bullseye rash you should seek medical care for diagnosis and treatment.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Walk-In Lyme Disease Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment
Lyme disease is a serious condition that requires prompt medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our clinic has a laboratory on-site allowing us to test for Lyme at the time of your visit. Based on the results, your medical provider will provide the necessary treatment to treat the infection. We understand how prevalent Lyme disease is, which is why we offer Lyme diagnosis and treatment 7 days a week on a walk-in basis. If you live in Burlington, MA, or one of the surrounding communities and are in need of urgent Lyme disease care, walk into AFC Urgent Care Burlington. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care.
