Lyme Disease: How can I prevent it?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.We are spending our next holiday in the New Forest. We have been warned that the ticks there carry Lyme Disease. What can we do?
Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:
Lyme Disease is caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacteria that is transmitted by ticks. The disease starts off as a flu-like illness, and sometimes there is a circular rash around the site of the tick bite. The best way to prevent it is by protecting yourself against bites. Use insect repellents and inspect yourself and your children carefully every night. Ticks are very small - about the size of a poppy seed - and if you find any attached to the skin, gently grip them with tweezers near to the skin and steadily pull them out. Ticks that are removed within the first 24 hours do not transmit the bacteria. If you think you may have got infected, or if you develop any symptoms in the weeks and months after your holiday, see a doctor for a blood test. When it's treated early with antibiotics, Lyme Disease is easy to cure. If it's neglected it can become much more stubborn.
Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments