Tick Talk

Tick season is here and prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Ticks are responsible for a variety of illnesses including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the United States, can cause symptoms of fever, headaches, body aches and fatigue. If left untreated, it can cause more severe health problems and in some cases can even be fatal.

Learn ways to protect your family. Some suggestions include:

• Protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants, tucking pants into socks to prevent ticks from accessing skin)
• Wear light-colored clothing that will make it easier to spot and remove ticks
• Tick/bug repellant
• Insect repellant for pets
• Staying in the center of paths, keeping out of overgrown areas and not sitting directly on the ground
• Showering or take a bath as soon as possible after spending time outdoors
• Performing tick checks on all family members every day
• Be aware of signs/symptoms of tick-related illnesses
• Call your doctor with any concerns

Remember: Ticks start LOW and crawl UP; ticks do not jump, fly or drop from trees, they are down on the ground and crawl up until they find a good spot to attach. Tucking pant legs into socks is a good way to keep ticks on the outside where they may be seen or get brushed off.