With the arrival of warmer weather, people are starting to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, so are bugs and ticks. Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, has been a concern in the Northeast for years, particularly in Connecticut where the infamous “deer tick” is prevalent. It's essential to understand how to avoid being bitten by a tick and what to do if you are bitten to minimize the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury East has created a guide on how to avoid tick bites and the proper technique for tick removal. We know everyone wants to enjoy the warm weather, let us help you enjoy it without worrying about ticks.
Where Do People Get Bitten by Deer Ticks?
The most common places for ticks to hide are in wooded areas, grassy plains, and the edges between these areas. If you're out on a hike, the likelihood of getting a tick latched onto you is when you enter or when you're about to leave the wooded area. Additionally, areas where you see deer, mice, and chipmunks are also hotspots for deer ticks.
What Happens If I Get Bit By A Deer Tick? Will I Get Lyme Disease?
If a tick latches onto you for more than 36-48 hours, you're at risk of contracting Lyme disease. Prompt and proper removal is important to prevent infection. The tick's mouthparts are almost like fish hooks, but with reverse curves, making it harder to extract them. If you're bitten by a tick, do not put anything on it such as oils or alcohol, do not burn it off, twist it off, or yank it off. Instead, place fine tip tweezers close to the skin on the mouth part and lift and hold. We recommend coming to see a medical professional within 24 hours so that you can get it removed correctly and minimize the risk of the tick regurgitating the contents from its digestive tract into your skin or bloodstream.
How to Avoid Tick Bites
To avoid tick bites, stay out of areas with tall grass, keep your lawn mowed, and remove leaf litter and brush piles. It's also a good idea to use insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET. Wear light-colored clothing, so you can easily spot ticks, and tuck your pants into your socks. Check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks after being outdoors, and take a shower within two hours of coming indoors.
Lyme disease is a serious concern in the Northeast, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick and contracting the disease. By avoiding tick habitats, performing tick checks, using insect repellent, and getting prompt and proper removal, you can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from tick-borne illnesses.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Help You Avoid Lyme Disease
Just because deer ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas doesn't mean you have to avoid the outdoors. It's about being knowledgeable about the dangers of Lyme disease and taking extra precautions. Perform tick checks as soon as you get back from a walk, hike, or yard work, and remove any ticks promptly.
If you're unsure about the proper tick removal technique or are uncomfortable removing a tick on your own, you can come see a medical professional at AFC Urgent Care Danbury to get it professionally removed. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is open seven days a week, and no appointment is needed when visiting the center. You can walk-in any day of the week or make an appointment online to be seen. If you want to avoid the billing hassle in person, our online payment system is not only hassle free, but you’ll be checked out in just a few clicks.
