Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme disease. This disease is usually carried by deer ticks and can be very painful. Symptoms of Lyme disease include headaches, nervous system disorders and symptoms resembling rheumatoid arthritis.
Lyme disease usually occurs in three stages. A spreading rash, fever and flu-like symptoms usually accompany the first stage. A ring-like pattern forms around the rash site. Often, there can be one or more rash sites. Sometimes, you may not experience the flu-like symptoms.
Stage 2 of Lyme disease can become much more serious with complications of the heart and nervous system. These symptoms can be meningitis-like or include paralysis or palsy. The heart can experience blockage of the actual muscle. Joint pain is also common in this stage of Lyme disease.
Summer is when most cases are reported. If you are bitten by a tick and have any symptoms, seek medical help. Immediate care is recommended as symptoms usually show up 3-30 days after the tick has bitten you. Lyme disease can also occur in pets, so if you take your dog hiking with you, be sure to check him for ticks when you return.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat can be your best defense against tick bites in the woods. After a hike, be sure and check yourself with a friend 's help for ticks.