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Lyme Disease – What Caregivers Need to Know

Home Care in Plainview NY

Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, is a disease that we often hear about more often during the summer months.  When you and your loved one are out and about Home-Care-in-Plainview-NYmore often hiking, spending time at the park, and gardening you may be at a higher risk for getting bitten by the deer tick, which can lead to Lyme disease.  Unlike a mosquito bite or spider bite, Lyme disease presents itself as more than just an itchy rash.  In fact, if Lyme disease is untreated it can lead to arthritis, heart problems, and conditions that affect the nervous system.  Read on for more information about Lyme disease that caregivers can use to help identify the signs and symptoms and help to prevent it.

 

What are the causes and signs of Lyme disease?

While the deer ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease can be found all over the United States, most of the cases of Lyme disease are reported in the Northeast region of the country.  If you and your loved one live in this region, it is important for you to be extra vigilant about preventing tick bites.  A bite from a tick carrying lyme disease will often result in a red rash that is round and looks like a bullseye.  Your loved one may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue, and headaches.  It is very important that your loved one seek medical attention if this rash appears at the site of the tick-bite.  When caught in the early stages, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.  In some cases, the symptoms of Lyme disease will remain even after treatment and become chronic Lyme disease.

 

How can Lyme disease be prevented?

The best way to help your loved one prevent Lyme disease is by preventing tick bites.  Since ticks are only about the size of a poppyseed, they can be hard to see and find when they end up on clothing.  Keep in mind that ticks like to live in wild or wooded areas, so it is a great idea to keep your loved one’s yard tidy and neat.  It is also important to take precautions when visiting a nature area or hiking trail such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.  After visiting a wooded area, be sure your loved one’s checks their skin for bites or for any ticks that might have burrowed in the skin and removes them at once.

 

If you or an aging loved one are in need of home care in Plainview, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

 

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/lyme-disease-directory

Stephen Sternbach

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