I hate to break it to you (as if you don't already know), but we live in the heart of the tick belt! Lyme Disease is not a foreign concept - it's a common occurrence. Here's what you need to know about ticks and why:
- Deer Ticks carry Lyme Disease (among other infectious parasites) - The other most commonly seen kind of tick in our area is the Dog Tick which are bigger and redder - Dog ticks do not carry Lyme Disease but can still carry other diseases - Ticks must be on the body more than 36 hours before they can successfully imbed and transmit disease - Any adult who finds a tick on their body for more than 36 hours or for an unknown period of time can be treated with a one pill dose of an antibiotic which prevents Lyme disease from developing! - The best way to avoid Lyme Disease is to avoid ticks!! - If you're looking for alternatives to DEET-containing products, check out the EPAs list of ingredients that can help repel ticks (and other insects)! - Using essential oils to formulate your own repellent - more here If you're ever not sure what to do about a tick bite, talk to your doctor ASAP!
2 Comments
Paul Kanner
6/9/2015 08:04:43 am
Thanks, Dr. Hedde, for the info on ticks. We will be back in Rhode Island in one week and will sign up with you again.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorLauren Hedde, DO; James Hedde, DO and Mark Turshen, MD are Family Physicians and Co- Founders of Direct Doctors, Inc. a Direct Primary Care Practice. Archives
February 2022
Categories |