For many of us, summer is synonymous with hiking and nature walks. Unfortunately, Lyme disease has been a growing concern in Quebec for the past few years. While there’s no need to panic, a little knowledge and preparation can help keep you happy and healthy this summer. Read on to learn more about this disease.
Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted to humans by a bite from a tick infected with a specific type of bacteria. Ticks are small insects ranging in size from a poppy seed to a sesame seed. There are about 20 different types of ticks in Quebec. However, only deer ticks, also called blacklegged ticks, carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Ticks live in woodlands, tall grass, forests, landscaped areas, and moist places such as leaf litter.
It’s important to note that ticks do not jump, fly, or drop from trees or plants. To get on us, ticks must cling to clothing or skin.
In addition, infected people and animals cannot transmit Lyme disease to uninfected people. Ticks are active from early spring, including when snow is still on the ground, until late fall.
An area is considered most at risk when approximately 25% of blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Rest assured that a tick bite doesn’t automatically put you at risk of developing the disease.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been reported in the following areas:
In 60% to 80% of cases, people bitten by an infected tick will develop a rash. Often, this rash is circular or bullseye-shaped. The bite itself does not usually cause pain or itching.
Other symptoms of Lyme disease may appear within 3 to 30 days of being bitten:
If a tick bite goes untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more prolonged and severe symptoms, including intense headaches, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, etc.
Don’t panic! If the tick has been attached for less than 24 hours, there is very little chance that it could have transmitted Lyme disease.
As soon as you spot a tick attached to your skin, gently remove it with a pair of tweezers or tick remover. Try not to break it.
We recommend that you consult your pharmacist if any of the following apply:
Prompt antibiotic treatment can effectively prevent Lyme disease. After evaluating certain criteria with you, your pharmacist can prescribe medication.
If a bite is not detected early enough, and bacteria may have entered the bloodstream, several weeks of antibiotic treatment may be required.
As Brunet-affiliated pharmacist-owner David Gauthier said in the podcast Comment reconnaître la maladie de Lyme? | Brunet [How to recognize Lyme disease], "It's all about prevention".
Ticks carrying Lyme disease are most commonly found in forests and wooded areas, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. For those who enjoy hiking, gardening, golfing, or camping, Lyme disease prevention is the way to go.
If you have questions about ticks, want to know more about visiting high-risk areas, or suspect that you have symptoms of Lyme disease, your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist is there for you.
