Mid-State Health Center is reminding the community that May is Lyme Awareness Month, and with an early surge in tick activity this spring, taking steps to prevent tick bites is more important than ever. Ticks are commonly encountered during outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, putting all New Hampshire residents at risk.
While several tick species are found in New Hampshire, the deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in this region. These ticks are very small and can be hard to detect, with nymphs about the size of a poppy seed, and adults about the size of a sesame seed.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it right away using fine-tipped tweezers. Pull upward with steady, even pressure and avoid twisting. After removal, clean the area with soap and water or alcohol. Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish remover, as these methods can increase the risk of infection.
If you believe a deer tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, or if you develop symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a rash within a few weeks of a bite, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to mention when the bite occurred and any potential exposure to tick habitats. Although some people develop a bullseye-shaped rash, not all do. When detected early, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, walk in the center of trails, and always do a thorough check of yourself, your children, and pets after being outdoors and in grassy wooded areas. Remove any ticks promptly.
Mid-State Health’s Same-Day Care Clinic, located at 28 Main Street, Plymouth NH, offers tick removal and preventive treatment with extended hours seven days a week. Walk-ins are welcome, or patients can save their spot in line at www.midstatehealth.org. Visit www.midstatehealth.org/tick-talk/ for more information on tick bite prevention, treatment, and Lyme Disease. Early action can make a big difference!
About Mid-State Health Center
Mid-State Health Center delivers primary care and supportive services at locations in Bristol, Plymouth, and Lincoln, offering medical services, dental services, behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, orthopedics, nutrition, chiropractic, diagnostic imaging, infusion, recovery, and care management for the entire family. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.