Ticks which are very small arachnids are more so than just a bother. They are mainly what spreads Lyme disease which is the main vector borne illness which is growing at the fastest rate. Ticks which are the vectors of this disease do so by passing along a certain type of bacteria through the act of biting, and also that early action in prevention is the key to avoid infection.
Lyme disease transmission, early identification of symptoms, and what you can do to reduce your risk of tick exposure is key to better health in the long term.
How Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease
Lyme disease results from infection by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in lyme disease that ticks may pick up from feeding on affected animals like mice, deer, or birds. At the time of a tick bite the bacteria may enter the bloodstream often without the person’s knowledge.
Ticks will usually go unnoticed until they have been attached for 36 to 48 hours at which point they may transmit the bacteria. Also many people don’t detect that they’ve been bitten as by the time the very small (about the size of a poppy seed) nymphal ticks do it’s too late.
It is a fact that ticks which carry Lyme disease do so in a very quiet, undetected way. At the time of the bite there is no pain, and it may take days or even weeks before symptoms present.
Borrelia Burgdorferi’s role in Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is not caused by the tick which transmits it, but by the bacteria the tick carries, in particular Borrelia burgdorferi. Once in the body this spiral shaped bacterium may cause wide spread infection and will set off inflammatory responses from the immune system.
What makes the case of Borrelia burgdorferi so dangerous in Lyme disease is its ability to evade the immune system. It may present in any part of the body, form protective “biofilms” and also change its structure which in turn allows it to avoid immune response. As a result this may cause long term health issues which in large part are dependent on how early the infection is caught.
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Being aware of symptoms will help you to detect Lyme disease at an early stage. Within 3 to 30 days of a tick bite the early signs may present which are similar to flu symptoms. Note also:.
Bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans): A red rash which also has a clear spot in the middle, usually but not always present.
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated the infection may spread to the joints, into the heart, and into the nervous system which in turn may cause such as:.
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe joint pain or arthritis
- Memory problems and neurological issues
Who’s Most at Risk?
In any of the woodlands, grassy fields, or brushy areas you go, you are at risk especially in the spring and summer. Also you do not have to be in the heart of the forest to come in contact with ticks. They may show up in your suburban park, local green space, or even in your own backyard. Also it is your pet which may bring ticks into your home.
During the peak of tick season which is from April through October children, hikers, gardeners, campers, and outdoor workers are at greater risk.
Preventing Tick Bites: Basic yet Effective Tips.
Pre at which ticks which is the best way to fight off Lyme disease. Here is what you do to protect yourself and your loved ones:.
- Dress smart: When in tick prone areas wear long sleeve shirts, long pants which you tuck into your socks, and closed toed shoes.
- Use tick repellents: Apply approved EPA products like DEET or natural options such as oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Avoid tall grasses and bushy areas: Stay in the middle of the trails.
- Perform daily tick checks: After you return from being out, do a full body check (and your pet’s) for ticks which include behind the ears, under arms, waist area, and behind the knees.
- Shower within two hours: This can prevent ticks from attaching.
- Use tick-safe landscaping: Keep your grass trimmed and use wood chips or gravel to define the border between your yard and the woods.
Tick Removal: Time of the essence.
If at any time you notice a tick on your skin don’t panic but also don’t delay in action. Using fine tipped tweezers grab the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull straight out with steady motion. Also clean the area with alcohol or soap and water.
Keep the tick in a plastic bag or small container for identification and also watch your health for any signs of infection. If symptoms present themselves or if the tick was attached for over 24 hours see a healthcare provider.
Holistic Approaches to Tick-Borne Illness
In addition to the use of traditional antibiotics many people also try out holistic therapies which may include:.
- Herbal antibiotics (e.g. Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw).
- Anti-inflammatory diets
- Immune-boosting supplements
- Acupuncture and detox therapies
- Mind body practices for stress and health promotion.
These complementary approaches may support the body at a very basic cellular level in which long term symptoms and chronic Lyme are present.
Conclusion: Awareness is key.
As tick season rolls around we put the information out there and take action. That ticks transmit Lyme disease and that the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which causes it has long term health effects — that which puts the case for prevention, early detection, and a whole body approach.
By being aware and practicing easy prevention methods you may enjoy the great outdoors at ease also which in turn will help put forward information to the community on this very much misinterpreted disease.
