Are you planning on some walks in the countryside this holiday period? are you an avid dog walker? Without wanting to put the dampeners on everything, be aware of ticks and any bite marks on your skin after your walk. There is an increasing trend of reported Lyme disease in this country that is caused by infected ticks and fleas. If detected early on, recovery is quite simple, if left, long term complications can arise.
Two thirds of people who receive a bite from an infected flea/tick develop a raised red rash much like the bullseye of a dart board. Other symptoms include flu like feelings, tiredness, muscle/joint pain, fever, stiff neck. More serious symptoms develop weeks, months or even years later including arthritis, paralysis and other nervous system complications, heart problems and meningitis.
Check yourself or your pet after a walk in the woods, fields or park for any ticks attached to skin or fur. If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms it is wise to get your gp to check you out. Detection via a blood test may take several attempts over several weeks as the disease is initially undetactable in blood in the initial few weeks. If you're found with the disease, antibiotics ar usually prescribed. If you've left getting diagnosed for some time, it may be necessary to see a specialist in microbiology or infectious diseases.
Here are the NHS top tips to reduce your risk of catching Lyme disease.
Two thirds of people who receive a bite from an infected flea/tick develop a raised red rash much like the bullseye of a dart board. Other symptoms include flu like feelings, tiredness, muscle/joint pain, fever, stiff neck. More serious symptoms develop weeks, months or even years later including arthritis, paralysis and other nervous system complications, heart problems and meningitis.
Check yourself or your pet after a walk in the woods, fields or park for any ticks attached to skin or fur. If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms it is wise to get your gp to check you out. Detection via a blood test may take several attempts over several weeks as the disease is initially undetactable in blood in the initial few weeks. If you're found with the disease, antibiotics ar usually prescribed. If you've left getting diagnosed for some time, it may be necessary to see a specialist in microbiology or infectious diseases.
Here are the NHS top tips to reduce your risk of catching Lyme disease.
- keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass when out walking
- wearing appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas (a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks)
- wearing light-coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick on your clothes
- using insect repellent on exposed skin
- inspecting your skin for ticks, particularly at the end of the day, including your head, neck and skin folds (armpits, groin, and waistband) – remove any ticks you find promptly
- checking your children's head and neck areas, including their scalp
- making sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes
- checking that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur
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