A bacterium called Borrelia causes Lyme disease. It lives inside blood-sucking ticks that can infect humans by biting our skin. Once bitten, the bacteria may then attack the human body's immune system and cause complications in the nervous system, joints, skin, and eyes.
At Urgent Care of the Palm Beach Gardens, we believe that prevention is better than treatment. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that works against Lyme disease in the present time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 300,000 people are affected by Lyme disease every year, but the statistics could be higher because a lot of cases remain undetected and undiagnosed.
While the number of cases might be a cause for concern, we have compiled the following ways of preventing Lyme disease. Use this as your guide.
1. Be aware that ticks are everywhere
It was initially believed that Lyme disease is only prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast. However, Quest Diagnostics published a report in 2018 to confirm that Lyme disease is present in 50 states in the U.S.
Ticks are not just found in animals like dogs, or horses. These parasites may also thrive in damp, green, and wooded areas like a garden, an outdoor camping site, or the beach grass by the ocean. A person might be gardening, or playing on the sandy beach without realizing that he has been bitten by ticks.
2. Protect yourself if you're outdoors
Insect repellents can work on ticks quite well so if you have to spend a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to apply this product to your skin as protection. Go over the list of bug repellent chemicals from the Environment Working Group if you're wary of using toxic repellents. You can also make your own repellent by using essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and clove.
Choose the right kinds of clothing, such as long pants, socks, and long-sleeve shirts if you know you’re going to be in an area with potential tick infestation. Use hair ties, or a hat to prevent ticks from landing on your head. As much as possible, wear closed shoes, instead of sandals, if you’re going to a wooded area, or to places with plenty of shrubs, bushes or trees.
3. Clean yourself thoroughly after an outdoor romp
If you've spent a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to properly and thoroughly clean yourself well as soon as you get home. Because some ticks can be tiny - they can hide under the breasts, in the groin area, in your hair, by the armpits, in the crevices of your body, or behind the knee. Be sure to wash and soap these areas in your body well and take showers often, especially during the summer when tick infestation is prevalent.
4. Boost your immune system
There have been people exposed to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but they've never had any problems, or medical incidents. Doctors believe that having a strong immune system can be the best preventive measure against the condition.
Boosting a person's immunity involves a few simple things:
- Regularly eat foods rich in nutrients like whole foods and green, or leafy vegetables.
- Include probiotic foods in your diet.
- Always get a good night's sleep.
- Perform adequate exercises at least three times a week.
- Avoid stress at work, or in relationships.
Further Information on Urgent Care Clinic Palm Beach Gardens
Do you have further questions about Lyme Disease? Or would you like to schedule a consultation? Contact Urgent Care walk-in clinic in West Palm Beach and we will assist you. For inquiries, contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.