At this time of year, both humans and ticks thrive in the woods and fields. Protect yourself from tick bites by covering yourself with clothing and tick repellent – and remove the tick as soon as possible. There is a vaccine for TBE, but there is not yet a vaccine for Lyme disease.
Although ticks are common, a very small percentage (2-3 percent) of all tick bites in Sweden result in Lyme infection. When Lyme disease causes symptoms, the most common is ring-shaped redness of the skin where you received a tick bite. Skin redness caused by Lyme disease usually occurs one to three weeks after you are bitten. It's common to have a small skin reaction at the site of a tick infestation – however, it's not something you need to seek treatment for.
– Everyone should be able to enjoy the forests and lands. At the same time, it's a good idea to do what you can to avoid contracting Lyme disease. Protect yourself by covering yourself with clothing and tick repellents. If you get a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Last but not least, if you discover a ring-shaped skin redness 4-5 cm long 1-3 weeks after the bite, contact the healthcare system, says Anna Jonsson, an investigator at the Swedish Medicines Agency.
This advice to the public comes in connection with the new treatment recommendation issued by the Swedish Medicines Agency for the healthcare system regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.
This is how you protect yourself from Lyme disease
- Wear protective clothing and use tick repellents.
- Remove the tick as soon as possible. The risk of Lyme disease increases if the tick remains in place for a day or longer.
- If you notice a ring-shaped rash 1-3 weeks after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and possible treatment.
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