Preventing and Treating Lyme Disease
According to experts, Lyme disease could be a big problem in the Northeast this spring and summer. To better protect yourself and your family from complications, read over this quick guide for preventing and treating this serious illness.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is passed to people from the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Usually about the size of a tiny seed, these ticks affix themselves to grass and plants, waiting for a host to pass by. When animals or humans brush against the vegetation, the tick attaches itself and eventually draws blood. During this process, bacteria may enter the host's bloodstream and cause Lyme disease.
What Are the Symptoms?
Lyme disease can cause a range of troublesome symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, rashes and joint pain. Early antibiotic treatment can eliminate the infection; however, delayed treatment can lead to serious circulatory and nervous system issues, including severe muscle pain, irregular heartbeat, speech problems, memory and cognitive problems, paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the face.
Getting Treatment
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have contracted Borrelia burgdorferi from a tick bite, it's important to seek medical care for testing and treatment. PhysicianOne Urgent Care offers expert attention for patients who believe they may have Lyme disease, including:
- Tick removal
- Rash assessment
- Preventative treatment
Preventing Lyme Disease
According to disease ecologists, larger mouse populations in the Northeast point toward an uptick of black-legged ticks in the spring and summer of 2017. This is expected to result in more human Lyme disease infections compared to previous seasons. To protect yourself, use insect repellents with DEET or Permethrin, check yourself daily for ticks and wear long clothing when moving through wooded areas. If you suspect you may have a Lyme disease infection, visit your nearest PhysicianOne Urgent Care for a prompt, professional medical assessment.
