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issues, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems,
irritability, and depression. Antibiotic treatment
lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, but some symptoms can last
for months or even years.”
Tips for tick safety
Poole notes, “When it comes to ticks, avoidance
is the best strategy. That doesn’t mean avoiding
the outdoors but, rather, taking a few precautions
to prevent ticks from finding their way onto
your body or into your home.” Follow the simple
measures (right) to reduce your risk of tick bites.
Tick Tips
What to do if you find a tick
Dress Sma
If you find a tick crawling on your body, you can
safely dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet,
putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag, or
wrapping it tightly in tape.
If the tick is attached, follow these steps to safely
remove it:
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers and firmly grasp the
tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. With a steady motion, pull straight up until all
parts of the tick are removed.
Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts
remain in the skin. Once the mouthparts are
separated from the body of the tick, it can no
longer transmit the infection. Leave it be and let
your body handle it.
Once the tick is removed, thoroughly wash your
hands, and clean the bite area with soap and water,
antiseptic, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If the tick is engorged or was attached to your
body for more than 36 hours, contact your doctor
for next steps.
Poole adds, “Even if the tick was not attached for
more than 36 hours, watch for symptoms of tickborne illness over the next several weeks. If you
have any flu-like symptoms or a rash in the bite
area, contact your doctor.” +
• Wear long sleeves and pants. If venturing
into the woods, tuck your pants into
your socks.
• Choose light-colored clothing
• Spray clothing with a tick-repellent such
as permethrin
• Wear a hat if venturing into the woods
Manage Your Yard
• Keep grass mowed, especially in areas used
for play or gatherings
• Rake and remove leaf debris from around
the house
• Keep wood piles away from the house
• Plant deer-resistant flower and shrubs
Peorm tick checks
• Thoroughly examine yourself and loved ones
when returning inside
• Take a shower
• Change your clothes immediately and
put worn clothes in the dryer on high for
10 minutes
• Don’t forget to check pets for hitchhikers
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