Re:Ticks may be the next global health threat
by mmjaa on Wednesday January 31, 2018 @12:34PM
(#16275618)
Yeah, Lyme disease is not a "non-issue", it is an issue, and a serious one, and you don't wanna fuck with it.
So, learn to spot the symptoms, and go get it sorted with a doctor. Like you would with any parasite.
Re:Ticks may be the next global health threat
by Fomite on Wednesday January 31, 2018 @01:37PM
(#16276274)
Depending on what part of the country/world you're in, there's also a wide variety of tick-borne illnesses with very scary mortality rates if untreated.
Re:Ticks may be the next global health threat
by ams6110 on Wednesday January 31, 2018 @01:54PM
(#16276437)
I didn't say anything that conflicts with this. If you have symptoms of Lyme, such as the circular red rash, definitely get it checked out.
Re:Ticks may be the next global health threat
by Jemmeh on Wednesday January 31, 2018 @05:37PM
(#16278177)
Unfortunately there is not always a rash present and even if there is one it's not always the bullseye rash. The other early symptoms are feeling like you have the flu, fever, and being tired. So it can sometimes be hard to catch early on your own.
You are correct in that the longer a tick is attached the more likely you are to get Lyme. Mayo Clinic says it's unlikely to happen if it'as attached less than 36-48 hours. But some of the ones that can give you Lyme are about the size of a poppyseed and you don't notice them right away. You should always check for ticks after being outside and remove them ASAP.
More info on what to do: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/what-to-do-after-a-tick-bi...
Running to the doctor for non-issues is part of why our medical costs have increased so much the last few years. There's so much marketing to "ask your doctor" about this and that and the other thing these days. And when you go, of course the doctor is obligated to run a battery of tests to cover his ass.