Lyme Disease

SaFA Training & Consultancy Ltd • Jul 31, 2020

What is Lyme's Disease, what are the symptoms and how to avoid it.

What is Lyme's Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks.

It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite.

The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by a tick and usually lasts for several weeks.

Not everyone with Lyme disease gets the rash.

Lyme Disease Rash

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Lyme Disease Rash

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What are ticks and how do you get them?

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in woods and areas with long grass. They're found all over the UK.

Ticks do not jump or fly. They attach to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them.

Once a tick bites into the skin, it feeds on blood for a few days before dropping off.

Important

Tick bites are not always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin.

Regularly check your skin and your children's or pets' skin after being outdoors.

What are the symptoms?

Along with the rash, some people also have flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as:

A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
Headaches
Muscle and joint pain
Tiredness and loss of energy

Some people with Lyme disease develop more severe symptoms months or years later.

This is more likely if treatment is delayed.

These more severe symptoms may include:

Pain and swelling in joints
Nerve problems – such as pain or numbness
Heart problems
Trouble with memory or concentration

The treatment is antibiotics

How to remove a tick safely

Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.

Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

The risk of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you become unwell.

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