Lyme Disease: Beware Of Ticks
Are you familiar with Lyme disease and its risks? On fine days, many people take the opportunity to enjoy some air by taking a nice walk in the countryside, going camping or having a picnic on the grass to spend a pleasant day with family and friends.
However, while these activities are highly recommended to avoid stress and happily spend our free moments, there are also risks associated with such pastimes, such as Lyme disease, a type of tick-borne infection.
For some time now, health authorities have begun to warn about the risk of ticks for human health and all the consequences of Lyme disease . It is very important to inform yourself about this disease and do everything possible to reduce the risk of infection.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a germ called a spirochete, which is found mainly in Ixodes scapularis (generally known as “black-legged ticks” or “deer ticks”), which are found in the north-east and center. – North of the United States.
Being carriers of this bacterium, ticks represent a risk for human and animal health, because a single sting can spread the disease, triggering a series of symptoms that seriously damage the quality of life.
The main cases of this disease obviously occurred in the United States. However, cases of infection could also be observed in other continents such as Europe, Asia and Australia.
Symptoms of the disorder
One of the first signs of Lyme disease is skin eczema which can appear between 3 and 30 days after a tick bite. Always do a thorough check.
In general, eczema appears in the place where the tick bite occurred and begins with a slight redness that can gradually grow and extend over the entire skin. Other symptoms that can appear as a consequence of this disease are:
- Temperature
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain in the joints and muscles
Even if it happens only in rare cases, this disease during its first phase can already damage the heart and the nervous system, leading to very serious consequences.
If something like this happens, the person affected by the disease may also experience other symptoms such as slow and irregular heartbeats, Bell’s palsy, pain in the arms and legs, and swelling of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain.
What Happens When Lyme Disease Advances?
When the early symptoms of Lyme disease are ignored and treatment is not given, the bacterium can spread to other areas of the body, and symptoms may worsen over the course of days.
At a later stage, people with this disease may begin to suffer from arthritis and nervous system problems. In the case of arthritis, the most affected area is usually the knees, more rarely other joints are damaged.
Rarely does the disease get to a more advanced stage than this, but if this happens, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Problems with concentration.
- Changes in the mood.
- Change in sleep habits.
- Loss of memory.
- Muscle weakness.
Those at risk
People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially where there are many animals, are at greater risk of suffering from this disease. the reason is simple: in such places it is very likely that there are ticks.
In general, ticks prefer to nestle at the top of low shrubs. This is because people or animals are more likely to come into contact with them there.
Ticks often climb onto clothing before adhering to the skin and, once attached to the skin, it is not easy to notice them because they usually do not cause any discomfort and are not noticed.
Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease, but all of them can pose a health risk. This is why it is very important to try to keep them as far away as possible. Let’s move them away from both our home and those areas we normally frequent to enjoy some time outdoors.
What is the cure for Lyme disease?
When Lyme disease is diagnosed, antibiotic treatment must be started and lasts for 14 to 30 days. If the disease is not yet in an advanced stage, the body responds very well to this type of treatment. Thus it is highly likely that the symptoms will disappear in a short time.
If, on the other hand, the disease is in a more advanced stage, treatment with antibiotics will probably have to be applied intravenously. Always rely on your doctor’s advice.
