We all want to take advantage of the sunny days! However, when we're outdoors, we also encounter the risk of tick bites.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care West Islip wants you to know what you can do if you experience a tick bite so that you can reduce your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

What Should I Do If I Find a Tick on Me?

This probably seems logical, but your first and best step is to remove the tick. But you want to do so carefully.

Using fine tweezers, grasp the tick close the skin and pull firmly upward. Do not put pressure on the tick or squeeze it, since doing so can result in part of the tick body remaining behind.

Tick Bite Symptoms

• A red spot on skin
• Full body rash
• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fever
• Muscle or joint pain

Will I Get Lyme Disease After a Tick Bite?

In most cases, a tick bite is just a tick bite. There are millions of bites each year, but only 30,000 cases of Lyme disease.

Still, despite the relatively low risk, it's still a risk. That's why if you're bitten by a tick, you should keep a careful eye on your health in the days thereafter. If you spot any symptoms after a bite, seek medical attention.

Lyme Disease Symptoms

• Rashes
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Achy, swollen joints
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive decline
• Vision changes