As the warmer weather arrives, so does the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick. While Lyme disease can be a serious condition if left untreated, there are steps you can take to prevent it and treatments available if you suspect you’ve been infected. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to prevent Lyme disease and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention if you’ve been exposed.

For same-day tick bite and Lyme treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our medical team is available seven days a week to provide exceptional urgent care services to all patients in Clark, NJ. Just walk-in today!

Lyme Disease Causes and Symptoms

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. It’s caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as deer ticks. These ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas. While not all tick bites result in Lyme disease, prompt recognition and treatment are essential for preventing complications. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of infection. In many cases, symptoms may not appear until several days or weeks after a tick bite.

Common signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Bullseye rash
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Headaches 

How To Prevent Lyme Disease

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of Lyme disease. Here are some tips to minimize your risk of tick bites:

1. Wear Protective Clothing: When venturing into wooded or grassy areas where ticks may be prevalent, be sure to wear protective clothing. This includes long sleeves, long pants, and close-toed shoes. Try tucking your pants into your socks or shoes to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

2. Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing. Be sure to follow the instructions and reapply as needed.

3. Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outside, thoroughly check your body for ticks, paying close attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, arms, and around the waist. Be sure to check others and pets as well. Promptly remove any ticks you find using fine-tipped tweezers.

4. Shower After Outdoor Activities: Showering within two hours of coming inside can help wash away any unattached ticks and reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.

Getting Lyme Disease Diagnosed and Treated at Urgent Care

If you suspect you have been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. Urgent care facilities are well-equipped to diagnose and treat Lyme disease effectively. Your healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including any recent outdoor activities and possible tick exposure. A physical examination will be conducted to assess for signs of Lyme, including the presence of a rash, joint inflammation, and other symptoms. In some cases, diagnostic testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If Lyme disease is suspected based on clinical evaluation and test results, the healthcare provider may prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms. 

Get Tick Bite & Lyme Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Clark 

Lyme disease is a potentially serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been bitten by a tick or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek the care you need. At AFC Urgent Care Clark, we provide walk-in tick bite and Lyme disease treatment seven days a week. In most cases, Lyme disease can be effectively managed if detected early enough. Most major health insurance plans are accepted, and we offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. Just walk-in today! If you have any additional questions about tick bite and Lyme disease treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (732) 301-5114.