8 Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease

Be Prepared

Spray clothing and exposed skin with a repellant that contains DEET.

Inspect for Ticks

Examine your body and clothing for ticks after being outside.

Rinse Off

Wash your body as soon as possible after spending time outdoors. If you find a tick, remove and disinfect with soap and water.

Removing Ticks

If you find a tick, remove it quickly:

• Use pointy tweezers
• Grasp the tick at the point where it is attached to your skin
• Don’t squeeze the body of the tick

Be Mindful of When You May Have Been Bitten

If a tick is attached for less than 24 hours, your chance of getting Lyme disease is extremely small.

Save the Tick

Put the tick in a bag marked with the date and location found on your body for testing.

Watch for Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, but watch for these symptoms if you are bitten:

• Fever, headache, dizziness
• Sensitivity to light
• Memory lapses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Non-itchy rash at bite
• Facial palsy, numbness or tingling
• Heart palpitations / night sweats

When to Seek Help

If you were bitten by a tick and are concerned or experiencing one or more symptoms, call your doctor. Remember to bring the tick to your appointment.