Short answer: Yes! Deer ticks are very common in the Northeast, especially in Connecticut. If you plan on going for a hike or stroll near grassy plains or areas near woods, be on the lookout for black legged ticks (deer ticks). As we approach the warmer months, you’re going to see more ticks and other little critters too. So, keep an eye out and make sure you perform regular tick checks when returning home. Tick repellent can be another essential spray you may need in these upcoming months.

It’s important to know that deer ticks are the ones that carry Lyme disease. Trust us, you don’t want to get one of these unwanted Little buggers on you.. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has a guide to help navigate this Deer ticks and Lyme disease season  in Connecticut.

Avoiding Deer Ticks This Spring and Summer

Avoiding the outdoors isn’t realistic. Majority of people will be outside enjoying the warm weather and sunlight. In the upcoming months, we have to be cautious of the potential threat the deer ticks and lyme disease may have. This doesn’t mean we should try to avoid being outside. Here are some helpful tips in avoiding deer ticks this Spring and Summer:

• Avoid tick-infested areas such as the areas between grassy plains and the woods (also known as the “edge”). Ticks usually latch onto you when you enter the woods or when you leave the woods
• Perform tick checks after being outdoors
• Wear appropriate clothing and tuck pant legs into socks
• Use a chemical repellent with DEET, Permethrin or Picaridin 
• Keep your lawn cut short

What To Do If You Get Bitten By A Deer Tick

The most noticeable symptoms after getting bitten by a deer tick is are redness with a bullseye on your skin, and a rash like bump. However, the symptoms of Lyme disease vary. They usually show up in stages. But the stages can overlap. And some people don't have symptoms of the typical early stage.

Stage 1 symptoms: 

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Joint stiffness.
• Muscle aches and pains.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Stage 2 symptoms: 

• Rashes on other parts of the body.
• Neck pain or stiffness.
• Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face.
• Immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
• Pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs.
• Pain, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet.
• Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid.
• Immune-system activity in eye nerves that causes pain or vision loss.

Stage 3 symptoms: 

The most common condition of this stage is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees. Pain, swelling or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go. Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.

It’s very important to be aware of your symptoms, even if it’s minor, it’s best to get it checked out. 

Get Your Deer Tick (and any other type of tick) Removed At  AFC Urgent Care Norwalk

If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, our medical staff is trained to remove deer ticks and can evaluate you for any tick related diseases. We highly suggest coming within 24 hours of being bitten to take action right away. Our doors are open 7 days a week making it convenient for you to walk-in anytime with no appointment needed. 

If you prefer to make an appointment, you can make one online here. Just like making a few clicks to make an appointment, you can avoid the hassle of paying your bill in person because  our website provides a secure and easy-to-use payment portal for settling your bill.

We are here for you at AFC Urgent Care- The Right Care, Right Now!