Ticks are small parasitic insects that can transmit various diseases to humans, with Lyme disease being one of the most common. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium “Borrelia burgdorferi,” which certain ticks carry. When an infected tick bites a human, it can transfer the bacteria through its saliva which can lead to the infection spreading to humans. Understanding how ticks transmit Lyme disease to humans is important when considering how to prevent Lyme disease cases during the summertime. If you’re experiencing Lyme disease symptoms or if you find a tick biting you, walk into AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for same-day treatment in Bound Brook, NJ.
How Does Lyme Disease Spread?
Lyme disease spreads primarily through the bite of an infected tick. Black legged ticks are the most common variety of tick to carry Lyme disease. The ticks pick up the infection by biting deer, and can then carry it from the deer to their next victim when they bite them to drink their blood. In order for Lyme disease to spread from a tick to a human, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the tick must be attached to you for a significant period of time. If the tick is attached for anywhere under 24 hours, it is unlikely to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
If you find a tick on your body that is crawling around, it is unlikely to have bitten you. If you find a tick actively biting you, you should remove it with tweezers immediately and use caution to ensure that you remove the whole tick including the head. If the tick is easy to pull out in one piece and crawls around after you remove it, it is likely that the tick has not been attached for long enough to transmit Lyme disease. However, always speak to your medical provider if you find a tick biting you.
Preventive Measures to Prevent Lyme Disease
Preventing Lyme disease involves a combination of strategies to avoid tick bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne infections. Although Lyme disease is a serious condition, it is completely preventable by preventing ticks from biting you. Here are some effective preventive measures that you can use to reduce your risk of being bitten by a tick:
- Use tick repellents.
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid walking through tall grasses, shrubs, and wooded areas where ticks are more likely to be found.
- After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks.
- Shower and change clothes immediately when you get indoors.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for Same-Day Lyme Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
Given the potential severity of Lyme disease and its complications, seeking urgent care is crucial if you experience symptoms following a tick bite. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and prevent the disease from progressing to more serious stages. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our board-certified medical providers are trained to recognize tick bites and early symptoms of Lyme disease so that you can begin treatment quickly. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and we never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic for same-day care with short wait times. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care!
