Just when you thought we were going to enjoy an early summer, an unwanted critter is something to watch out for. Ticks! They’re out and about this time of year and they’re not here for the warm weather. They’re here to latch onto you when you least expect it!
Ticks, especially deer ticks that cause Lyme disease poses a serious health concern for the Northeast. Connecticut has seen an increase in deer tick-related illnesses over the years, which is why AFC Urgent Care Vernon has created a guide to help you and your family stay safe from tick-borne illnesses.
How To Spot A Deer Tick Bite
Deer ticks are the main carriers of Lyme disease and can be quite small, a fraction of the size of other ticks. It is important to know how to identify them and the symptoms of a bite. Symptoms to watch out for include fatigue, joint aches and pains, a target-shaped rash (bullseye) that forms around the bite area, and low-grade fevers or chills.
If you have discovered a tick on you, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. However, removing a tick can be difficult for non-medically trained individuals, and it is vital to extract the entire tick to prevent contracting Lyme disease. If you have been bitten, we recommend going to a trained medical professional or urgent care center immediately within the first 24 hours of the bite to remove the tick completely.
Treatment for Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. If left untreated, it may cause serious health problems, including damage to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Early detection and treatment is key to preventing long-term complications.
Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics, usually oral antibiotics. Recovery will be quicker and more complete the sooner treatment begins during the earlier stages of the illness. If the disease has attacked the central nervous system, intravenous antibiotics may be required. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after learning that you have been bitten by a tick.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Vernon for Tick Checks and Removal
If you believe that you or a loved one has been bitten by a deer tick, please visit Urgent Care Vernon at 179 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT 06066. We have licensed medical providers who are fully equipped and trained to remove ticks and provide necessary medical attention.
At AFC Urgent Care Vernon, we accept most insurances and offer walk-in appointments with no appointment needed. Need to make an appointment? We also offer appointments for our local communities to be able to skip the line and be seen easier. Protect yourself and your family from tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease by visiting AFC Urgent Care Vernon today. If you want to avoid the hassle of paying your bill in person, our online payment portal can help you pay your bill in just a few clicks.
