Spring is the time of year when ticks become active and we live in a high-risk area for Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks.
Spring is the time of year when ticks become active and we live in a high-risk area for Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks. Now is the time to start taking precautions to protect against this debilitating disease:
• Avoid heavily wooded areas and tall grass.
• Use a bug repellant that includes DEET.
• Wear light colored clothing and, whenever possible, long pants, and tuck them into your socks
• Always check yourself, children, and pets after being outdoors.
If you think you have been bitten:
• Remove the tick immediately by pulling it slowly straight out. Transmission of Lyme disease from an infected tick is less likely to occur if the tick is properly removed.
• Don’t squeeze. Use alcohol or other substance that will aggravate the tick and regurgitate more venom back into you.
• Once removed, use an antiseptic.
• Save the tick and contact your doctor immediately.
For further information, contact your doctor or the American Red Cross – Greenwich at 203-869-8444.
