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Primary Care 4 minute read

Tick Bites: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Climate change fuels rising tick populations and disease risks. Learn how to spot symptoms, prevent bites, and protect your family while enjoying the outdoors.
All categories Primary Care St. Luke's Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a concerning trend: emergency room visits related to tick bites are on the rise across the United States.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can be bitten by a tick, young children and elderly adults appear to be particularly vulnerable. The highest rates of emergency department visits have been observed in those under 10 and those over 70 years of age. This may be due to increased outdoor activity in children and potentially weakened immune systems in older adults.

Why the increase?

Experts believe that climate change may be contributing to the surge in tick populations. Milder winters mean fewer disease-carrying ticks die during the cold weather, leading to a larger population and increased opportunities for human contact.

Understanding the risks

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases through their bites, and many of these illnesses share similar symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Here's a breakdown of some common tick-borne diseases:

When to seek medical care after a bite

According to Dr. Noel Han, Primary Care and Family Medicine physician with Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group at St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital, “It's critically important to monitor yourself for symptoms after a tick bite. As a primary care physician, I've seen firsthand the increase in patients presenting with tick-related concerns. It’s vital for people to understand that for many, their primary care provider is their first and best line of defense. We are equipped to diagnose and manage common tick-borne illnesses, prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and guide ongoing monitoring. Don't delay seeing your regular doctor for rashes or flu-like symptoms after a bite – early intervention can prevent more serious complications and often, a trip to the ER."

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe symptoms: Severe headache, difficulty breathing, paralysis, or heart palpitations. Call 911 or visit the emergency department.
  • Incomplete tick removal: If you aren't able to completely remove the tick, visit your physician. The longer the tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission.
  • Expanding rash: A small bump at the bite site is normal. However, if it develops into a larger rash or you develop a rash anywhere on your body, it may be a sign of a tickborne illness. The rash may take 3-14 days to appear. Even if the rash disappears, consult your doctor.
  • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache.
  • Infected bite site: Skin changes color or the site begins oozing.

How to avoid tick bites

Taking preventative measures is the best way to protect yourself and your family from tick-borne illnesses. Here are some essential tips:

  • Avoid tick-infested areas: Stay away from wooded and brushy areas with high grass. When hiking, stay in the center of trails.
  • Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin to exposed skin.
  • Treat clothing with permethrin: Treat outdoor clothing with permethrin, which remains effective even after washing. Permethrin is a chemical similar to a natural ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes ticks avoid the flowers.
  • Apply sunscreen and repellent correctly: If using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first, followed by the repellent.
  • Check for ticks after being outside: Thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. Pay close attention to areas under the arms, behind the ears, knees, and in the hair.
  • Shower after being outside: Taking a shower after going back inside can help remove any unattached ticks. Removing a tick within 24 hours of attachment significantly reduces the risk of infection.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to prevent tick bites, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and protect yourself and your loved ones from tick-borne illnesses.