Ticks
have gained nationwide infamy for spreading Lyme disease and the potentially
fatal Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but that’s just the beginning of the horror
story. As of this writing, there are 14 different tick-borne diseases plaguing
various parts of the United States, and new ones keep popping up with
disturbing frequency. The specific ailments, as well as the exact kinds of
ticks that carry them, differ from one part of the country to another. But all
of the infections have similar symptoms. Both the severity and the time of
onset can vary, but these are the most common signs:
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Rash
All
tick-borne diseases are easily treated with antibiotics—but they can be very
hard to diagnose. The key to fending off dangerous complications lies in fast
action. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, and anywhere from a few days to
several weeks later you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor
immediately!
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