Ways to prevent tick bites
Help Me Grow VT would like to offer a gentle reminder to be vigilant about ticks as we enter the warm weather months. In Vermont, emergency room visits related to ticks tend to peak in May and June, and with higher tick activity in the spring comes a higher risk of Lyme Disease and other tick-related diseases.. Children, especially those between the ages of three and fourteen, are even more likely to contract Lyme Disease than adults, so your awareness as a parent or caregiver is especially important.
What is Lyme Disease, and How Do Humans Contract It?
Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a bacteria that can be transferred to humans when an infected deer tick bites. Only a small number of deer ticks are carriers of this bacteria. While an exact timeframe is unknown, it usually takes at least 36 hours for a tick to transmit the disease. If you notice a tick on your child, there is no need to panic. However, it is strongly advised to call your child’s pediatrician, particularly if you notice a red, circular rash around the bite or if your child is experiencing flu-like symptoms, as these may be indications of Lyme Disease. If you see a tick on your child, here are directions for removing it. https://tinyurl.com/48pn5pvb
Tricks for Keeping Away Those
Pesky Ticks:
There are some simple things that can be done to help keep your child safe from Lyme Disease:
- Dress your child in light-colored long-sleeved clothing and socks, and close-toed shoes when possible.
- Use an insect repellent approved by the EPA.
- Do a daily tick check on your child and be sure to check those hard-to-see places such as armpits, behind their ears, back of the knees, belly button, their groin area, between toes and their scalp.
- Have your child take a hot bath or shower after spending time outside.
- Avoid areas with long grasses where ticks are more likely to be present.
For more information, contact Help Me Grow by phone at 211 ext. 6, email us at info@helpmegrowvt.org, or text HMGVT to 898211.
Additional resources can be found at:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/lyme.html
https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/children/
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/lyme-disease-in-children-babies-toddlers/
https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/tickborne-diseases/information-ticks-vermont
If you are pregnant or have children birth through age 8 and need assistance connecting with community resources and supports, please call Help Me Grow, available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can also reach us by texting HMGVT to 898211. Visit https://www.helpmegrowvt.org/home.