Ticks can be the party poopers of any outdoor party or activity. They are especially prevalent in New England. If you're outside hiking or just walking around in your backyard, chances are you might be exposing yourself to ticks. Connecticut is notorious for having deer ticks that carry Lyme disease. These little unwanted pests are not only small and sneaky, but if they latch onto you and are undetected for over 36-48 hours then you’re at risk for contracting Lyme disease.
For this reason, AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to help inform you about deer ticks, Lyme Disease and how to protect you and your family so you can enjoy the outdoors this upcoming summer at ease.
Be On The Look Out For Deer Ticks!
Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that can transmit a variety of diseases to humans, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks).
Lyme disease is a serious infection that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe joint pain and neurological issues. As with many medical conditions, early detection and treatment of Lyme disease is key to preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of the infection. In the early stages, symptoms may include a distinctive circular rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches, as well as joint pain and swelling. If left untreated, the symptoms can progress to include more severe joint pain and swelling, heart palpitations, facial paralysis, and neurological issues.
Preventing Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites in the first place. This can be done by taking the following steps:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas
- Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing
- Check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors to help wash away any unattached ticks
- If you find a tick, remove it promptly using tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure
AFC Urgent Care Torrington CAN Remove Ticks For You
If you have been bitten by a tick and develop any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Medical professionals at AFC Urgent Care Torrington can perform a physical exam and order blood tests to determine if you have Lyme disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington can help remove ticks properly, and evaluate you for tick-related illnesses. Open 7 days a week, you can walk-in any day of the week for tick removals. There is no appointment needed, but If you prefer to schedule an appointment online, we also offer appointments making it easier for you to cut the line and be seen for tick bites and all of your other urgent care needs. Just like making an online appointment, it’s just as easy to check out and pay your bill with our new online payment system.
