The lone star tick has been linked to a rare tick-borne disease called the heartland virus.
Experts discuss the illness.
Its usually severe enough to seek medical attention.
They can stay attached to the skin for several days or bite without attaching to your body.
However, other tick-borne diseases, like Lyme Disease, are more common.
There were over 50 reportedcases of the Heartland virusas of January 2021.
infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
There are many different types of tick bites out there, and very few result in subsequent illness.
Were looking harder because now we have the scientific capacity to do it, Dr. Schaffner says.
Dont be surprised to find ticks year-roundas long as the temperature is above freezing.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Apply it to your clothes and exposed skin (like the back of your neck and ankles).
Be sure to self-check your hairline, back, waist, underarms, groin, and inner thighs.
you should probably do thorough checks of these areas even if you wore protective garments.
Shower after you come in and toss your clothes in the washing machine using hot water.
How to remove ticks
Forget folklore, says Dr. Schaffner.
infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
That means no lit matches, oils, nail polish or petroleum jelly.
Instead, he suggests using a tissue to grasp the tick firmly as close to your skin as possible.
Dont crush the tick.Discard it in the trash or toilet.
If you put it in the trash, seal it in plastic or tape first.
If the tick is alive, you’re free to dip it in alcohol to kill it.
Clean your bite and hands.Use soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
If a tick bite is the culprit, dont assume antibiotics are the answer.
Antibiotics dont do anything for Heartland, Dr. Schaffner says.
Plus, you dont want to take antibiotics unnecessarily, he says.
Now the good news: Warmer weather is here, but you dont have to swear off outdoor living.
(Really, they dont.)
They cant jump either.
So, sink into that lounge chair and take a deep breath.
And, when in doubt, do periodic checks for tick bites.
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