Tips for avoiding Lyme disease

20 years ago you hardly anyone knew anyone who had Lyme disease, today everybody seems to know somebody who has it. Why is there an increase? For this edition of Healthy Living, Marcie Fraser has more.

 "Because of increase testing, there are a lot of different theories,” said Dr. Liza Whalen, Public Health and Preventative Medicine Specialist.

While the reasons why Lyme disease is on the rise, isn't clear, what is clear is where ticks can be found. They love damp, shady areas, shrubs, leaves, and tall grass.

“You want to stick to trails and areas that are well cleared and cover up to where you could get tick bites,” said Dr. Whalen.

If you are bitten by a tick, you may not get Lyme disease; but, do look out for symptoms.

"The bull’s-eye rash sometimes can be accompanied by flu-like illness and later on as the disease progresses it can cause other symptoms,” said Dr. Whalen.

When the infection is caught in the early stage, oral antibiotics are given. Treatment for later stages of the disease is still under investigation.

"So far, the literature doesn't really show that very long, prolonged courses of IV antibiotics is helpful for people,” said Dr. Whalen.

Not all ticks are infected, and your risk of acquiring Lyme disease is greatly reduced if the tick is removed within the first 36 hours after attachment.

The disease causing bacterium is in the gut of a tick. If you agitate the tick by attempting to remove it several times, the tick will release the bacterium from in his gut into you. So, remove the tick swiftly on the first try. Using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull the tick in a steady, upward motion.

If the tick's mouth parts break off and remain in your skin, don't worry. The mouth parts alone cannot transmit Lyme disease; they will dry up and fall off. If you are concerned about your risk of Lyme disease, call your doctor.