Here in the Northeast, ticks are a serious health threat. We have seen an increase in deer tick-related illnesses in Connecticut over the years. But, as common as they are, there are ways to prevent you and your family from contracting tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
AFC Urgent Care Vernon knows that ticks are out and about, and has created a guide to help you and your family protect yourselves from deer ticks and Lyme Disease.
How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a Deer Tick?
Most ticks don’t expose people to Lyme disease, but deer ticks (also found on other animals in New England) do. Deer ticks are quite small, a fraction of the size of other ticks, but don't let their small size fool you! Their bite can be debilitating.
If you have discovered a tick on you, determine if it is a deer tick. These types of ticks are for the most part much smaller than all other ticks. Watch for symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- joint aches and pains
- a target shaped rash that forms around the bite area
- low-grade fevers or chills
It can be difficult for non-medically trained people to extract the entire tick. Since it is vital that you remove the entire tick, if you’ve discovered a tick on you, we recommend going immediately to a trained doctor or an Urgent Care center within the first 24 hours after being bitten to extract the tick completely, especially here in the northeast.
The longer the tick remains embedded, the higher the chances of contracting Lyme Disease. Don't put off getting checked.
If I Get Lyme Disease, Can It Be Treated?
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, usually oral antibiotics. In general, recovery will be quicker and more complete the sooner treatment begins during the earlier stages of the illness. This is why it is so important that you visit a medical professional immediately after learning that you have been bitten by a tick. If the disease has attacked the central nervous system, oftentimes, doctors will recommend a series of intravenous antibiotics. This is not always the case, and can be avoided if medical attention begins immediately.
Get Checked for Ticks at AFC Urgent Care Vernon
Lyme disease is very serious. If you believe that you or a loved one has been bitten by a deer tick, please visit Urgent Care Vernon at 179 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT 06066. We are staffed by licensed providers who are fully equipped and trained to remove ticks.
We accept most insurances and accept walk-ins with no appointment needed. We also offer appointments for our local communities to skip the line and be seen easier.
