While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks all year-round, be extra vigilant during the warmer months. It is best to avoid wooded areas and high grass.

If you are going to these areas you can repel ticks with repellents that contain DEET or Permethrin.

ALWAYS FOLLOW PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS.

After an outing, one should check for ticks. If you do find a tick attached to your skin, do not panic. Not all ticks are infected, and your risk of Lyme disease is greatly reduced if the tick is removed within the first 36 hours.

To remove a tick: Use a pair of pointed tweezers to grasp the tick by the head or mouth parts right where they enter the skin and pull gently.

Tick borne diseases can cause a variety of symptoms and usually develop within the first few weeks after a tick bite.

Potential symptoms of tick-borne diseases include:

*red spot or rash near bite site

*neck stiffness

*headache or nausea

*weakness

*muscle or joint pain or achiness

*fever or chills

*swollen lymph nodes.

Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if a tick bite results in any of these symptoms.

(Provided by Lakewood Immediate Care.)