Post

Lyme Disease: Prevention

Post Image

Lyme disease is a common tick-borne illness, transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. A tick, an 8-legged bug, spreads disease by passing along bacteria and viruses. The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease appear in stages, and the symptoms usually vary.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease

  • Small, red bump similar to the bump of a mosquito bite at the site of the tick bite
  • A rash can appear 3-30 days after the infected tick bite. The rash appears as an expanding red area with a clear center and can spread to about 12 inches. It might feel warm to touch.
  • Fever, chills, body aches, feeling tired, headache, neck stiffness

Later symptoms of Lyme disease

  • The rash may spread to other areas of the body
  • Severe joint pain and swelling in the knees
  • Neurological problems such as impaired muscle movement, numbness, or weakness in limbs

Lyme disease can be prevented by taking precautions in tick-infested areas. Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during the warmer months. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas; therefore, spending time outside, camping, gardening, or hiking can bring you in close contact with ticks.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is by taking precautions when in tick-risk areas:

  1. Ticks can easily attach to bare skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, a hat, and gloves.
  2. Avoid walking through bushes and long grass.
  3. Apply insect repellent that protects against ticks to exposed skin.
  4. After spending time in tick-prone areas, check clothing, yourself, children, and pets before returning home.
  5. Showering after outdoor activities may help remove any unattached ticks.

You May Also Like

Post Health

Omega-3 Facts For Your Heart

Post Health

Mental Health Continuum

Post Health

The 3 M's for Bone Health

Post Health

Acupuncture

Post Health

Anti-depressants: Do They Really Work?

Post Health

Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Post Health

Calcium Supplements and Risk of Heart Disease

Post Health

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Post Health

Headaches

Post Health

Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Post Health

Toxins in the Home

Post Health

The Cold Hard Facts

Post Health

Foot Pain? Could be Plantar Fasciitis

Post Health

Varicose Veins

Post Health

Underactive Thyroid?

Post Health

Is it Hot in Here?

Post Health

Gut Health, the Cornerstone for Optimal Health

Post Health

Top 10 Tips for Blood Pressure

Post Health

A Heart Healthy Diet

Post Health

All About Cholesterol

Post Health

Meet Your Immune System

Post Health

The Gut – “Our Second Brain”

Post Health

Deep Breathing for Relaxation

Post Health

Movember Lifestyle: Nutrition, Activity, Prevention

Post Health

Movember Lifestyle: Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Post Health

Mindfulness in Practice

Post Health

All About Blood Pressure

Post Health

Natural Antiseptics

Post Health

Help Heartburn the Natural Way

Post Health

Sleep & Heart Health

Post Health

Talking to Youth About Mental Health

Post Health

Sun Protection 101

Post Health

End Mental Illness Stigma

Post Health

World Cancer Day

Post Health

20 Ways to Practice Self-Love

Post Health

Multiple Sclerosis

Post Health

Magna Global 6K for Water

Post Health

Sun Safety

Post Health

Lyme Disease: Prevention

Post Health

All About Sleep

Post Health

Brain Games

Post Health

The Importance of Social Connections

Post Health

Physical Activity for Self-Care

Post Health

Self-Appreciation Mantras

Post Health

Practicing Gratitude Tips

Post Health

Happy International Women's Day!

Post Health

Osteoporosis & Men

Post Health

Osteoporosis - Take The Quiz!

Post Health

Spot the Difference: Getting Mole Checks

Categories