Tick season is in full swing: where you can catch them, how to protect yourself, and when to urgently see a doctor
June is one of the most dangerous periods regarding tick activity. At this time, they are found not only in forests but also in city parks, squares, summer cottages, and even on residential premises. Medical professionals emphasize that a tick bite can lead to serious diseases, so it is important to know the rules of prevention and symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Contrary to a common myth, ticks do not fall from trees. Most often, they are found in tall grass, bushes, or on low branches and attach to a person or animal during contact with vegetation. Special caution should be exercised when resting in parks, forests, near bodies of water, and in suburban areas.
How to protect yourself from a bite
Experts recommend following simple safety measures:
- choose closed clothing with long sleeves and pants;
- tuck pants into socks or shoes;
- wear light-colored clothing, on which it is easier to notice a tick;
- use tick repellents;
- avoid tall grass and dense thickets;
- thoroughly inspect your body, hair, and clothing after a walk.
Special attention should be paid to areas behind the ears, on the neck, under the armpits, in the groin area, and under the knees.
What to do if a tick has attached
If a tick is found attached to the body, it should be removed as quickly as possible. It is best to seek medical assistance. If this is not possible, the tick can be carefully pulled out with a special device or tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible.
After removal, the bite site should be treated with an antiseptic and your condition monitored for several weeks.
When to urgently see a doctor
Medical consultation is mandatory if after the bite the following appear:
- redness that increases around the bite site;
- rash or characteristic ring-shaped spot;
- fever;
- headache;
- muscle or joint pain;
- weakness, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms may indicate Lyme disease or other infections transmitted by ticks.
Why you should not ignore a bite
According to doctors, early detection and treatment of Lyme disease significantly increase the chances of full recovery. That is why even after self-removal of a tick, it is recommended to consult a family doctor, especially if the parasite was on the body for a long time.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp, our page on Facebook and on Instagram to stay informed about the most important events.
