As the weather gets warmer, many Canadians enjoy spending more time outside. However, this also means an increased risk of tick bites. Ticks are tiny bugs that can carry diseases, the most common of which is Lyme disease. Read below to understand tick bites, how to prevent them, and what to do if you get bitten.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are small bugs that live in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. They attach to animals and humans to feed on blood. Some ticks can carry Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It's spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Early treatment is important because untreated Lyme disease can cause serious health problems.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Early symptoms (3 to 30 days after a tick bite) include:
Erythema migrans (EM) rash: A red, expanding rash that sometimes looks like a bull's-eye.
Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, tiredness, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
Later symptoms (days to months after a tick bite) can include:
Severe headaches and neck stiffness.
More EM rashes on other parts of the body.
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees.
Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or drooping on one or both sides of the face).
Irregular heartbeats or heart palpitations.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
Here are some simple tips to protect yourself from tick bites:
Wear Protective Clothing: When walking or hiking in wooded areas, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into your socks, and closed-toe shoes.
Use Tick Repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET on your skin and clothes.
Avoid Tick-Infested Areas: Stick to trails and avoid walking through tall grass and bushes.
Check for Ticks: After being outdoors, check your body, clothes, and pets for ticks. Look carefully at areas like your armpits, groin, and scalp.
Shower After Being Outdoors: This helps remove ticks that have not yet attached to your skin.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick on your body, remove it quickly and safely:
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.
After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Avoid using home remedies like hot matches or petroleum jelly, as they can make things worse.
When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist?
If you notice symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite, see your doctor or pharmacist right away. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious health problems. Watch for unusual symptoms for up to 30 days after a tick bite. Your local pharmacist can assess and prescribe antibiotics if needed for ticks and prevention of lyme disease. The pharmacist is alos trained to refer to the doctor if the matter is more severe.
Conclusion
Ticks and Lyme disease are concerns in Canada, especially in the warmer months. By taking simple precautions and knowing what to look for, you can keep yourself and your family safe. If you think a tick has bitten you, acting quickly is important for your health.
For more information, visit Health Canada's website or talk to your healthcare provider.
Enjoy the Canadian outdoors safely and responsibly!
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