As we begin to spend more time outdoors because of the warmer weather, it’s important that we prepare for ticks and bug season. Ticks and Lyme disease is not something to obsess over, but it’s definitely something you should keep in mind, especially if you live in Connecticut. Deer ticks especially, are tiny and can be very sneaky, latching onto you without you knowing. 

Lyme Disease is the most common tick borne illness in the United States and it is usually transmitted by the deer tick, commonly found in the New England area. 

Fun/not so fun fact: Did you know that the name Lyme Disease is derived from the deer ticks originally found in abundance in Lyme Connecticut? 

What makes deer ticks a threat is that they can transmit Lyme disease if they’re on your skin for over 36-48 hours. This makes early detection and removal of ticks crucial during the warmer months. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to help you learn about deer ticks and Lyme disease and how to avoid it.

How Can I Avoid Getting Bitten By A Deer Tick?

Warm weather means more outdoor activities. Whether you’re going on a hike or getting yard work done you should take the extra precautions to avoid coming in contact with them. Here are some things you can try: 

• Avoid wooded or grassy areas (The areas between the woods and grassy plains)
• Keep your yard clean and grass cut
• Use insect repellents with DEET or other EPA approved repellents on skin and permethrin on clothing
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors and tuck pants into socks if possible
• Shower as soon as possible after being outside
• Inspect your body for ticks after being outside; use a mirror or a partner for hard-to-see areas on your body
• Keep your pets safe by performing a tick check because they too, can get bitten and contract Lyme Disease 

I Got Bitten By A Tick; What Do I Do Now?

If you do happen to get bitten by a tick, The CDC has some tips for removing one on your own:

• You can use fine-tipped tweezers and connect with the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
• Don’t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the remaining parts with tweezers if possible.
• After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

The next step would be assessing the tick bite wound and coming in to get evaluated. If you can save the tick in a zip lock bag, you can bring it in to confirm if it was a deer tick that bit you. 

AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Also Help Remove Deer Ticks For You

If you’re unsure if you got the whole tick out, or are not comfortable removing one on your own, you can come see us at AFC Urgent Care Danbury any day of the week. Our staff is medically trained to remove ticks. The longer the tick stays latched onto the skin, the higher the chances of contracting Lyme disease. 

We highly suggest coming in as soon as possible to avoid this chance, so we can take action right away to remove it for you. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is open 7 days a week and can perform tick removals on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed.

If you prefer to make an appointment to be seen, you can schedule one online here.