A New York doctor says that before hiking, gardening, camping or just playing outdoors, it is important to learn how you and your family can prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of tick-borne disease.
“Tick bites are a problem because certain types of ticks can transmit disease and here on Long Island and in the Northeast, the biggest problem we worry about is Lyme disease,” says Leonardo Huertas, MD, chairman of the emergency department at Glen Cove Hospital.
The first thing to know is where to expect ticks. They live in moist and humid environments, usually in wooded or grassy areas, or in shrubs near your home.
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If you’ll be in a potentially tick-infested area, Dr. Huertas recommends:
• wearing long pants;
• spraying insect repellent on clothing;
• wearing a hat;
• and tucking your pants into your socks.
It’s important to carefully check your entire body for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard. Also, check your clothing and pets for ticks because the blacklegged ticks could be tracked indoors.
“If a tick is attached to your body, the best way to remove it is by using fine-tipped tweezers, getting as far down as possible, grabbing the head of the tick and pulling gently with traction and the tick will release itself.” Dr. Huertas explains. “If you can’t get to the tick or only remove part of it, follow up with your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care center.”
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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25,000 cases of Lyme disease among Americans will be reported this year. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash in the shape of a “bull’s eye.” It could take days or weeks for symptoms to appear, but if they do, seek medical attention.
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