Dear Deer Tick: You're not exactly our favorite creature. In fact, we despise you. Why? Because along with your tiny size comes a big problem: Lyme disease. It's not a pleasant gift you deliver when you latch onto us.

But here's the thing, we're not alone in our dislike for you. Deer ticks and people? Well, we just don't mesh well. While we humans love our outdoor adventures and hiking escapades, you deer ticks seem to revel in giving us something we don't want - diseases like Lyme disease.\

That's why AFC Urgent Care Natick has taken it upon themselves to create a handy guide on how to prevent Lyme disease and what to do if you happen to find one of these pesky critters digging into your skin.

Avoiding Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease

You're quite the sneaky little bugger, aren't you? Latching onto us without so much as a warning. To steer clear of your unwelcome bites, we've got to be on our toes. Especially here in Massachusetts and other parts of New England, where you and your buddies seem to be having quite the party.

So, when we're out hiking, it's best to stick to the trails and steer clear of any tall grasses or thick vegetation where you like to hide. And covering up with long sleeves, pants, and socks? Well, that's just another layer of protection against your unwanted advances. Oh, and let's not forget the importance of a thorough self-check, especially in those hard-to-reach spots like underarms, behind ears, and in the scalp.

And let's talk about insect repellent. It's like our shield against your kind. With repellents containing DEET, we can keep you and your buddies at bay. Need help finding the right one? The Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Disease Control have got our backs on that.

Removing Your Deer Tick Is No Walk in the Park

Getting rid of you isn't always a piece of cake. Your fishhook-like mouths make it a challenge to pry you away from our skin. But we've got some tricks up our sleeves.

According to the CDC, fine-tipped tweezers are our best bet. No burning, twisting, or dousing you in oils. Just a gentle, steady hand, and a swift removal close to the skin where you've decided to take root.

Let AFC Urgent Care Natick Take Care of You

Struggling with your removal? Not to worry. We're here to lend a hand at AFC Urgent Care Natick. The sooner you come in within the first 24 hours, the quicker we can bid you farewell.

And if Lyme disease is on your mind, we've got you covered there too. Fever, headache, muscle aches? Yeah, those are red flags you shouldn't ignore. Seek us out for medical attention pronto. We're here seven days a week, ready to assist you whether you walk in or schedule an appointment. Don't panic about the bill either. We accept most insurances, and have an easy to use online payment portal that assists you with just a few clicks.