Hiking and other fun outdoor activities will be at their peak in the upcoming months. Of course, the majority of people will be outside enjoying the spring and summer, but the fun can be stopped by an unwanted little critter. Deer ticks are very common during the warmer months in Connecticut and if they latch onto you, it can put a halt to your outdoor fun this season.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury has created a guide so you don’t have to pause your spring and summer fever. We want to help you understand the do’s and don’t and what you should if you are bitten by a deer tick.
Ticks Are Making An Early Comeback This Season
Ticks are tiny parasites that are commonly found in wooded areas and grassy plains. While they may seem harmless, they can carry diseases that can have serious long-term effects on your health. Lyme disease is one of the most common diseases carried by ticks, and it can cause issues with the nervous system and joints if left untreated.
This season, tick populations are expected to boom, particularly in the New England area, which as mentioned above, is a hotspot for these sneaky little buggers. Deer ticks, in particular, are prevalent in the region and are known for carrying Lyme disease. With the recent warmer weather in the mix, the chances of coming in contact with a deer tick this season will most likely increase.
Protecting Yourself From Deer Ticks
If you plan on spending time outdoors this season, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from ticks. This includes wearing long pants, socks, and long sleeves to avoid a tick from latching onto your skin right away. It’s also important to perform a thorough tick check when you get home to make sure that a tick has not latched onto you. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and under the arms.
If you do find a tick on your body, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. The longer the tick remains embedded in the skin, the higher the chances of contracting Lyme disease. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out gently but firmly. Make sure to clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water after removing the tick.
What To Do If You’ve Been Bitten By A Deer Tick
If you believe you’ve been bitten by a deer tick, it’s important to watch out for early signs of Lyme disease. These can include extreme fatigue, joint aches and pains, a target-shaped rash, and low-grade fevers or chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
At AFC Urgent Care Danbury, we can help remove deer ticks and evaluate you for Lyme disease. If you or your child have been bitten by a tick, bring it into our urgent care center right away. Our providers are well-equipped to handle the challenges of tick season and can remove the tick correctly and completely within the first 24 hours after the initial bite.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here for you!
Don’t let ticks ruin your outdoor fun this season. Take steps to protect yourself from ticks, and seek medical attention right away if you’ve been bitten by a deer tick. At AFC Urgent Care Danbury, we’re here to help you stay healthy and enjoy the great outdoors all season long. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here for you 7 days a week. No appointments needed, but online appointments are also available. To save you some time, you can easily check in online and check out as well, by using our online payment system.
