What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans from the bite of a deer tick. Most Lyme disease in our communities take place during the summer or fall, when ticks that carry Lyme disease are most prevalent.
What are symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease include, but aren’t limited to:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Rash.
What happens when Lyme disease is left untreated?
Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. These include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Facial paralysis
- Arthritis
What steps can be taken to prevent Lyme disease?
Preventing Lyme disease takes thoughtful preparation. It requires that you prevent ticks from getting on your skin. When you go outside into areas where ticks can be found, it is helpful to:
- Be mindful that ticks tend to live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. It’s best to avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass.
- Check your clothes for ticks. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
- Check yourself for ticks. Make sure to examine under the arms, in and around yours ears, inside your belly button, on the back of the knees, between your legs, and around your waist.
- Take a shower after being outside. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks.
Are you worried about Lyme disease?
Lyme disease impacts everyone differently. If you are worried about Lyme disease, or if you have more questions, reach out to your Care Team at Union Community Care.
