According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year. Tick sightings are especially common during the summer months, when we spend more time outdoors.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City wants to offer you tips on how you should handle a tick bite and other bug bites should one occur this summer.

What Happens After a Tick Bites?

Once you realize that you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to remove the tick as quickly as possible. But it’s important that you not act too hastily—make sure you’re removing the tick the right way.

So, what’s the right way? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to use tweezers to grasp the tick as close the skin as possible, then pull upward with a steady motion and pressure. Don’t jerk or squeeze the tick in any way, since that can leave parts stuck in the skin.

Tick Bite Symptoms

• A red spot on skin
• Full body rash
• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fever
• Muscle or joint pain

How Can I Avoid Mosquito Bites?

Ticks aren’t the only bug enemy that comes with summer time! Mosquitoes are also out and about in abundance, especially in east Tennessee. And just like with ticks, mosquito bites can carry a number of diseases, including the West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria and yellow fever.

Fortunately, there are steps you can to minimize your risk of mosquito bites in the first place.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

• Use an insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants to protect skin.
• Limit exposure to mosquitoes.
• Use a mosquito net when sleeping outdoors.
• Wear light colors.

Did you experience a really bad bug bite this summer? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City is here to help! Stop by our urgent care center today.