Lyme Disease: The Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by deer ticks. It is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, with over 300,000 cases reported each year.

The early symptoms of Lyme disease can be mild and flu-like, making it difficult to diagnose. However, if left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems, including:

Meningitis
Arthritis
Heart problems
Chronic fatigue

Doctors warn about the dangers of Lyme disease because it can be a serious illness if it is not caught early. The good news is that Lyme disease is easily treated with antibiotics if it is caught early.

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from Lyme disease, including:

Wearing long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors in areas where ticks are common
Using insect repellent that contains DEET
Inspecting your body for ticks after you have been outdoors

If you find a tick on your body, remove it carefully with tweezers. Be sure to save the tick so that it can be tested for Lyme disease.

If you think you may have been exposed to Lyme disease, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious health problems.

Here are some additional tips for preventing Lyme disease:

Avoid areas where ticks are common, such as wooded areas and tall grass.
Walk in the center of trails, where there are fewer ticks.
Keep your grass mowed short.
Remove leaf litter from your yard.
Inspect your pets for ticks after they have been outdoors.

If you are concerned about Lyme disease, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and make recommendations for prevention.

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