How to Identify a Tick
Tick season is here! These critters have been roaming around for a while now, ready to cause misery to many. We know as the weather warms up, ticks become more active, but do you know how to identify a tick and the signs that these disease-spreading pests are nearby?
What does a tick actually look like?
Ticks are tiny! Sometimes even so small that you can barely see them. Think the size of a poppy or sesame seed. But they can be slightly larger in size too, making them easy to spot. It means you need to be extra vigilant when checking your body for these critters because some of them may just be so small that you miss them on first glance. Ticks are arachnids because they have eight legs and they can also vary in color from black to shades of brown and red.
Where are ticks likely to hide?
Ticks like areas that are in the shade and often that hold moisture. So you might find them lurking in the bushes or in high grass. Some of them even hide under fallen leaves.
How do you know if you have been bitten by a tick?
Symptoms can vary. Sometimes you may even still have the tick attached to you, so you need to make sure you know how to remove a tick safely. The following article has some useful information as to how you can identify if you have been bitten by a tick.
If diseases caused by tick bites are left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems that could potentially affect your muscles, joints, brain, heart, vision, and nervous system. Many tick-borne illnesses can have serious consequences that alter your lifestyle and activities by limiting your mobility, cognition, and overall quality of life. Knowing how to identify a tick bite and recognizing the general symptoms of tick-borne diseases can alert you to possible health risks sooner, so you can consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate next steps as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of tick-borne disease?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides helpful information when it comes to identifying symptoms of tick-borne disease. A tick bite can be the cause of a number of infections, some of which can be extremely dangerous to our health. Lyme disease is one of the most reported infections transmitted by a tick bite. It can be treated if diagnosed early, so it’s important to know what to look for.
What should you do if you’ve been bitten by a tick?
Seek medical advice if you are concerned that you may have any of the symptoms of a tick-borne virus. It’s better to be safe than sorry
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