Lyme disease is a serious infection that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States each year. Lyme disease is most commonly found in the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the country.
But what are the odds of getting Lyme disease? If you want to know more about this, we invite you to read further as we’re going to tackle this topic in today’s article.
What Are The Chances Of Being Infected With Lyme Disease?
The chances of getting Lyme disease from a single tick bite are relatively low. The CDC estimates that only about 1% of blacklegged ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. However, the risk of developing Lyme disease increases if you are bitten by multiple ticks or if you live in an area where the disease is more common.
There are a number of factors that can affect your risk of developing Lyme disease, including your age, health, and the time of year. Lyme disease is more common in children and adults over the age of 60. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, may also be at increased risk. Lyme disease is more likely to occur in the spring and summer months when ticks are more active.
Additionally, the odds of getting Lyme disease are higher for people who live in areas where Lyme disease is more common. Lyme disease is most common in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, but cases have been reported in all 50 states.
The odds of getting Lyme disease also increase if you spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where Lyme disease-carrying ticks are found. Ticks that carry Lyme disease can be found in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas.
What Can You Do To Decrease The Odds Of Being Infected?
There are a few things you can do to lower your odds of getting Lyme disease, even if you live in an area where the disease is common or you spend time outdoors in tick-infested areas. These include:
- Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when you’re outdoors.
- Using insect repellent that contains DEET (diethytoluamide) on your skin and clothing.
- Checking your body for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- Removing ticks promptly if you find them attached to your skin.
- Showering soon after coming indoors to wash off any ticks that may be on your body.
What Can You Do If You’re Already Infected With Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a serious condition that can be treated if caught early. If you think you may have Lyme disease, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. If you’re concerned about your risk of Lyme disease, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Moreover, the treatment for Lyme disease usually consists of a course of antibiotics. However, there are some things that you can do to help ease your symptoms until you can get to the doctor.
Drinking plenty of fluids is important, especially if you are experiencing a fever. Get rest when you can and take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with any pain or discomfort. Applying a warm compress to the area where you were bitten can also help to ease any pain.
If you are having trouble sleeping, try taking a warm bath before bed. This can help to relax your muscles and ease any pain that you may be experiencing. You may also want to try using a noise machine or earplugs to help block out any noise that may be keeping you awake.
All in all, Lyme disease is more common in some areas than others, so your doctor can help you assess your risk. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease are important to prevent serious health complications. So if you think you’re exposed to this disease, Pacific Frontier’s lyme disease doctors in Foster City CA can help you get cured from Lyme disease and be healthy again. Visit their website today for more information.
