If you’re planning on spending time enjoying the outdoors this summer, it is important to be aware of the dangers of Lyme disease. Also known as borreliosis or Lyme infection, Lyme disease is an illness contracted through the bite of a deer tick.
Get to know the symptoms associated with Lyme disease, what to do if you contract the illness, and how you can guard yourself against it this season.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Tick bites are often painless and go unnoticed, but if you are bitten by a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, you’ll soon begin to exhibit symptoms which are hard to ignore. Initial infection symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A rash at the site of the bite
Left untreated, the infection will continue to spread and symptoms could worsen, turning to facial paralysis, brain swelling, shooting pains, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath.
When to Seek Emergency Care For Lyme Disease
If you see a tick anywhere on your body, remove it immediately. It takes around 36 hours for an infected tick to transfer the disease, so if you act fast, you may be able to avoid infection. If you begin to experience the flu-like symptoms mentioned above, make an appointment with your doctor or visit your urgent care office.
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, paralysis, intense headaches, or heart palpitations, seek emergency medical attention.
Preventing Lyme Disease
In order to enjoy your outdoor activities this summer and avoid tick bites altogether, here are a few things you can do:
- Keep out of tall grass and other vegetation.
- Stay on trails and sidewalks during hikes and walks.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear lighter colors for easy tick-spotting.
- Once returning home, shower and inspect your body for ticks.
By following these preventive measures and staying aware, you can help protect yourself from tick bites and Lyme disease.
Emergency Care in Dallas
If you are in need of emergency care this summer, Advance ER is here to help. Contact us at Advance ER by calling (214) 494-8222.