Lyme Disease Prevention

Since I promote outdoor activities so heavily, I also like to stop now and then to remind folks of some basic heath and safety issues.

Today, a reminder to take precautions against insect-borne diseases. This time of year, in my neck of the woods, the most pressing concern is Lyme disease, which is carried by deer ticks. Experts warn that this year (in the northeastern part of the U.S.) could be a particularly bad year for the disease. The reason: a bumper crop of acorns lead to an overabundance of a particular kind of mouse that is a deer tick host.

The best way to prevent the disease is to take precautions. Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts. If possible, tuck your pants into light colored socks. Then spray your clothes with bug spray. (Follow directions on the package). When you return indoors, remove your clothes and check your body for ticks. It's always wise to enlist a family member to help check places you can't easily see such as behind your knees. Deer tick nymphs are really small (like the size of a poppy seed) so check carefully. If you have dark skin, sweeping a flashlight across your skin, CSI style, may help.

I'm not a medical person, so ALWAYS listen to your own doctor, but here are some facts from my kids' Pediatrician:

1. A deer tick needs to be embedded in your skin for a minimum of 36 hours (probably more like 48 hours) for you to get the disease from an INFECTED tick.
2. Obviously, not all ticks are infected. 
3. So... if you find one on you or your kids, don't panic. 
4. If the tick is "free," simply remove it and flush it.
5. It the tick is "in," you need to remove it carefully without leaving the head inside. The method that works best for us is one I learned from my child's pediatrician, but again, ask your doctor for advice. Using a wet, soapy cotton ball, make small counterclockwise circles over the tick without lifting the cotton ball. It can take a few minutes, but the tick will come out. Flush it down the toilet. 
6. Clean the site, then apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
7. If the tick is in a tricky place, such as the ear, having a doctor remove it may be advisable. Check with your doctor.

Please don't let fear of ticks keep you indoors. With these precautions, the risk of infection is minimal. 

In other parts of the world, different diseases and insects are of concern. Learn how to stay safe in your part of the world.

How do you protect your family from insect-borne diseases?

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Dear  Sixteen Year-Old Me

Sun Safety

Insect Safety (This post, written last year, goes into more detail and provides links to more info).

Insect Safety

As someone who promotes lots of time outside in nature, I feel I also need to share suggestions about sun and insect safety. Today I'll focus on insects. My next post will be about sun safety.

I am not a medical person, so you should consult your doctor for specific advice. My knowledge comes from my experiences and research plus conversations with my child's pediatrician.

In our part of the world, there has been a recent increase in the mosquito-borne disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis. While it is a rare disease, it can be deadly. Those who do survive can be completely debilitated or have a long road to recovery. A friend who was diagnosed last August is still in rehab battling back from the disease.

Lyme disease-spread by deer ticks- is also in our area. It has been identified in 49 states but is most common in the Northeast and Midwest. You do not have to be in the deep woods or a rural area to be bitten by a tick carrying Lyme Disease. Deer ticks can be in your lawn or local park.

A few facts:

1. Being bitten by a deer tick does not mean you will get Lyme disease.
2. You can only get Lyme Disease from a tick that carries Lyme Disease.
3. Even if a Tick with Lyme bites you, you still may not catch Lyme disease. The tick needs to be attached for 36 to 48 hours for you to get it.
4. Deer ticks can be TINY. As small as a poppy seed or the period at the end of this sentence.

Suggestions:

1. Be safe and use insect repellent, even when the sun is shining (ticks don't care if it's sunny).*
2. Avoid being outside at peak mosquito times- dawn and dusk.
3. Wear light colored socks when hiking, etc. They make spotting ticks easier.
4. Check your kids and yourself for ticks every day after being outside. Don't forget behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area. (Sweeping across the skin, 'CSI style,' with a flashlight helps). We try to make this part of our nightly routine, though admittedly we sometimes forget.

*My kids' pediatrician advises we use products with 10 percent DEET. If you are uncomfortable using DEET, there are all natural products available that offer reasonable protection. Be aware that most natural repellents must be reapplied after about 2 hours while DEET usually does not. Check the labels for recommendations regarding reapplication.

Misinformation abounds on these diseases. I encourage you to learn more by visiting reliable websites such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or Web MD to read about Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Lyme Disease. You can also read how to "avoid summer health woes."
 
These are some particular risks in my part of the world, but insect-borne diseases are certainly not limited to here. Please take precautions based upon your part of the world. These risks don't mean you need to avoid being outside. Just take the necessary precautions and head outside for some fun.


How do you stay safe outside? Do have any relevant experiences to share?

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