LYME DISEASE: REDUCING THE RISK
Lyme Disease has been in the media a lot lately. Reports are showing that both the number of ticks and their location are growing. It is important to be proactive and understand what to do if you find a tick on yourself or a loved one.
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged ticks (deer ticks). B. burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease) is transmitted from a tick to a host, such as humans, via a bite (sting). Not all ticks carry Lyme Disease but if you are bitten by a tick you should assume it is infected with Lyme until shown otherwise.
Ticks are most active between May – October, but can be found whenever the temperature rises above freezing. You should be using prevention strategies all year round – especially if you are located in a high-risk area.
Infected ticks are found almost anywhere in Ontario, and commonly here:
Why is the rate of Lyme Disease increasing?
Black-legged ticks spread to new areas due to climate change and the warmer winter temperatures. The milder temperatures affect the lifecycle of the ticks and the size of their habitat. The milder weather also increases the amount of time we spend outside and therefore near ticks.
The fear of Lyme Disease however, should not stop you from getting outside. Understand your risk and make safe choices when enjoying the outdoors.
EXPLORE SMART
Avoid long grass as much as possible. Ticks enjoy wooded, brushy areas, so stick to wide paths wherever you can.
Some great options within 20-30 minutes of Aurora include: Sheppard’s Bush, Tom Taylor Trail, Fairy Lake, Nokiidaa Trail, and Eldred King Woodlands.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
If you are venturing off a path keep your skin covered as much as possible. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear light coloured clothes to make it easier to spot ticks.
CHECK YOURSELF
After being in an area where you may have come into contact with ticks change clothes and check your skin for ticks. Use a mirror to check the back of your body. Be sure to check your children and pets to ticks after being outside. Its best to check as soon as you step inside to prevent bringing ticks into your home.
REMOVE THE TICK (PROPERLY)
NEVER remove a tick using burned matched, petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol or chemicals.
- Use a “Tick Removal Kit” such as the one available through CanLyme ($18, includes tax and shipping). This will provide you with everything you need for proper tick removal. Keep a kit in your house and your car to be sure you are ready. The sooner you remove the tick, the better!
- Record all information (date, location on body, outdoor activity; take a photo, especially if a rash is present or appears)
- Place the tick in a plastic bag (or vial) to send for testing. This can be done through your local Public Health office or your conventional medical doctor.
- Visit your conventional medical doctor for antibiotics
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
If you do get bit by a tick infected with Lyme Disease you want to ensure sure your immune system is strong enough to fight it off. Eat a whole foods diet, stay active and keep your gut and mind healthy. To learn more about keeping your immune system strong feel free to send me an email.
BE ALERT
If you have been bit by a tick be sure to watch for signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease (even after you’ve been treated with antibiotics). These can appear 3-30 days after being bit. Lyme Disease is often called “the great mimic” because its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. It is often misinterpreted as the ‘summer flu’. If you experience these symptoms be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to find the root cause of your symptoms.
Symptoms of early Lyme Disease include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Facial paralysis, fatigue
- Swollen glands
- Expanding skin rash
Stay healthy and be proactive. Don’t let ticks stop you from getting outside this summer! For more information on Lyme Disease and Chronic Persistent Lyme Disease send me an email or book an appointment and get to know your options.
