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Ticked Off: Top 10 Signs Of Ticks & How To Prevent Illness

Key Points

  • Ticks have become a national concern as they are known to spread 12 different diseases, which have been discovered over the past 50 years.
  • Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can be similar to other diseases, making them difficult to diagnose and increasing the importance of prevention and awareness.
  • Preventative measures against ticks include avoiding direct contact with heavily wooded areas, using repellents on skin and clothing, and regularly checking for ticks after being outdoors.
  • If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly and safely, and a doctor should be consulted if a fever or rash appears within a few weeks.
  • The article provides a guide to recognizing symptoms of tick-borne diseases and tips for prevention and removal of ticks to help readers stay safe and healthy.

Sometimes the smallest pests are the scariest. This summer, ticks are a national concern. Why are they suddenly all over the news? NPR reported that over the past 50 years, scientists have found 11 other diseases aside from Lyme that are spread by ticks. We’ve detailed the top symptoms of these 12 tick-borne diseases in a handy tip card and created a quick removal guide to help you navigate the spread of these minuscule menaces.

Ticked Off: Top 10 Signs Of Ticks & How To Prevent Illness

Key Points

  • Ticks have become a national concern as they are known to spread 12 different diseases, which have been discovered over the past 50 years.
  • Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can be similar to other diseases, making them difficult to diagnose and increasing the importance of prevention and awareness.
  • Preventative measures against ticks include avoiding direct contact with heavily wooded areas, using repellents on skin and clothing, and regularly checking for ticks after being outdoors.
  • If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly and safely, and a doctor should be consulted if a fever or rash appears within a few weeks.
  • The article provides a guide to recognizing symptoms of tick-borne diseases and tips for prevention and removal of ticks to help readers stay safe and healthy.

Sometimes the smallest pests are the scariest. This summer, ticks are a national concern. Why are they suddenly all over the news? NPR reported that over the past 50 years, scientists have found 11 other diseases aside from Lyme that are spread by ticks. We’ve detailed the top symptoms of these 12 tick-borne diseases in a handy tip card and created a quick removal guide to help you navigate the spread of these minuscule menaces.

What are the Symptoms of a Tick Borne-Illness? (Source: CDC)

“Save this image to your phone and share it with friends to make sure they are aware!”

Unfortunately, a lot of these symptoms are present with other illnesses, which is why we encourage preventative measures and awareness about the process of removing them. It also doesn’t help that ticks can be as small as a couple millimeters in length.

How to Prevent a Tick? (Source: CDC)

  1. Avoid Direct Contact: steer clear of heavily wooded areas and stick to the middle of the trail.
  2. Repel Ticks on Skin & Clothing: wear repellant and make sure you choose a good one.
  3. Remove Ticks: wash off after being outside, do a tick check (don’t miss under the arms, inside the belly button, behind the knees, and in the hair), check your pets and clothes, and tumble dry your clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes.

How to Remove a Tick? (Source: CDC)

Make sure to see a doctor if a fever or rash shows up within a couple weeks. It’s always better to get checked out instead of waiting for symptoms to persist.

We hope our tips and prevention guides are helping keep you safe, healthy, and happy this summer. If you missed the last one on heat exhaustion, check it out here!

Frequently asked questions

  • Why are ticks a national concern?

    Ticks are a national concern because they spread diseases. Over the past 50 years, scientists have discovered 11 diseases, aside from Lyme, that are spread by ticks.
  • What are some symptoms of tick-borne illnesses?

    The article does not list specific symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, but it mentions that many of these symptoms can also be present with other illnesses.
  • How can I prevent a tick bite?

    To prevent a tick bite, avoid direct contact with heavily wooded areas, use a good repellent on your skin and clothing, and thoroughly check your body and clothes for ticks after being outside.
  • How should I remove a tick?

    The article does not provide specific instructions for tick removal, but it does recommend seeing a doctor if a fever or rash appears within a couple of weeks after a tick bite.
  • What should I do if I find a tick on my body?

    If you find a tick on your body, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. After removal, monitor for symptoms such as fever or rash, and see a doctor if these symptoms appear.
  • How small can ticks be?

    Ticks can be as small as a couple millimeters in length, which can make them difficult to spot.
  • How can I ensure the repellent I use is effective against ticks?

    To ensure the repellent you use is effective against ticks, make sure to choose a good one. The article suggests using the EPA's guide to find the right repellent for you.
  • What should I do with my clothes after being in a tick-prone area?

    After being in a tick-prone area, it's recommended to thoroughly check your clothes for ticks and then tumble dry them on high heat for at least 10 minutes.

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