As we spend more of our time outdoors, our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga wants to make sure you are watching out for the tiniest of creatures—ticks.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Bitten by a Tick?
Once you realize that you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to remove the tick as quickly as possible. However, you want to make sure you are removing it in the right way. Use tweezers to better grab under its head so that you are pulling out the mouth that is embedded in your skin. You do not want to squeeze the body of the tick, as that will cause the bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you can, bring the tick in a sealed plastic bag to the physician so that it can be tested to see if it is a carrier of Lyme disease.Signs of a Tick Bite
- A red spot on skin
- Full body rash
- Neck stiffness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fever
- Muscle or joint pain
Is There a Cure for Lyme Disease?
Each year in the United States, some 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed. This relatively unknown condition can wreak havoc on the body in a variety of ways. But if you’re impacted by the condition, it can be treated, so seek medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease.Lyme Disease Symptoms
- Rashes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Achy, swollen joints
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive decline
- Vision changes
