According to the CDC, 2018 will be a severe problem for tick
related diseases across the U.S. In fact, the amount of cases in the U.S. has
tripled since 2004, and with the warm weather upon us the numbers will rise
even more. 96,075 cases of infections were reported in 2016, as outdoor
enthusiasts we need to take measures to ensure summer fun doesn’t turn into
serious or deadly disaster.
How do
you know if you have been exposed to a tick borne disease? The answer isn’t
that simple, considering there are different viruses and infections that ticks
can carry. The most famous one of course is Lyme disease which is common in
deer ticks. . Lyme disease can cause a person to break out in a rash anywhere
on their body, and it can take up to 30 days to generate or be symptomatic.
Other symptoms include sudden joint pain, Drowsiness and fatigue, high grade
fever, headaches, swelling and muscle pain. For some of us that sounds like
everyday life, but sudden changes in your body will not feel normal. As the old
saying goes, nobody knows you more than you.
Children on the other hand, are more prone to Lyme disease
because they spend more time outside…generally speaking. Furthermore, depending
on their age they may have more severe symptoms due to the lack of antibodies
that haven’t been developed. Lyme can also effect a child’s heart more easily
if left untreated, according to Kidshealth.org. The other symptoms are the same
for kids, but it is hard to pinpoint Lyme since many common viruses have the
same effects as Lyme. Below are five common ways to prevent a tick bite, which
can reduce the risk of Lyme or any other infectious disease caused by ticks.
1)
Bug Spray
While it may seem obvious, not
everyone uses bug spray. If you are like me, it always seems to be the one
thing I forget when leaving the house.
2)
Walk in the center of the Trails
Ticks commonly live in the woods, and
having one get on you is as easy as brushing up against a tree branch. By
staying on trails or open areas, you are less likely to find ticks on you
later.
3)
Wear protective clothing
High socks or pants might be hot in the
summer months, but the clothing protects your skin from ticks. Bright clothing
has also been known to attract ticks, which is why many hikers and campers wear
olive green or dark tan clothes. On the other hand, white clothes can help a
person see a tick more clearly when they search their clothes.
4)
Search Search Search
Brad Paisley said it best with his
cheesy pick up line, “I’d like to check you for ticks”. Searching your clothes
or putting them right into the washer is a great way to avoid tick bites. Ticks
will also have easier access to pets and everyone else in the house if you
don’t search your clothes.
5)
Shower
Showering as soon as you come home
from being outside is very beneficial for the prevention of tick bites. It is
also a good opportunity for a person to check themselves over. The same goes
for your child’s bath, it’s better for you to find a small tick rather than a
large one found by your child that they can’t get off.
Some of these seem
obvious, and I’m sure most of you have heard of these methods before. If not
I’m glad I was able to share some advice today. As infections and diseases
evolve it is important for us to remain proactive in fighting back. Not just for
us but for our family as well.
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