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How Can You Contract Lyme Disease

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Is Lyme Transmitted Through Sex

Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease | The Balancing Act

Research on the possible sexual transmission of Lyme disease has left some questions unanswered. It’s not clear if humans can pass Lyme disease to each other through sexual contact.

The molecular structure of Lyme disease is similar to a strain of syphilis, so scientists think it’s possible that transmission via mucous membranes could happen.

One study identified the presence of Lyme disease in the genital secretions of those who were infected, suggesting possible transmission between sexually active partners.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the theory that Lyme disease may be sexually transmitted. The CDC suggests that it is more likely for sexual partners to contract a similar strain of Lyme through tick bites occurring around the same time, even if one partner was bitten unknowingly.

Can A Person Contract Lyme Disease Anywhere In The United States

The states that it is not possible to contract Lyme disease anywhere in the U.S. Most infections occur in the:

  • northeast and mid-Atlantic, which includes northeastern Virginia to Maine
  • north central states, typically in Wisconsin and Minnesota
  • West Coast, mostly in northern California

Two tick species can carry B. burgdorferi in the U.S.: the blacklegged tick and the Western blacklegged tick .

Some people refer to the blacklegged tick as a deer tick. They live in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central U.S. The Western blacklegged tick lives on the Pacific Coast of the U.S.

Where Are Ticks Found

Ticks are found throughout the UK and in other parts of Europe and North America. There are a high number of ticks in the Scottish Highlands.

They can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown plants where they have access to animals to feed on.

They’re common in woodland and moorland areas, but can also be found in gardens or parks.

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Are You The Ticks 2nd Meal

A tick that is partially fed may be able to transmit diseases faster, Eisen explains.

Partially fed ticks able to re-attach could result from detachment from dead animals or possibly by host grooming.

Researchers have shown that infected I. scapularis nymph ticks which had been previously attached to a host for 24 48 hours, then removed and placed onto a new host, can effectively transmit B. burgdorferi spirochete within 24 hours of their re-attachment, Eisen writes.

How Can Lyme Disease Be Passed From Person To Person

Person who contracted Lyme disease lives in western Washtenaw County ...

Remember, Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick and it can not be transmitted to humans through person-to-person contact. However, untreated Lyme disease during pregnancy may lead to infection of the placenta which can cause complications. Fortunately, the possibility of passing the disease on to the fetus is rare, and proper antibiotic treatment can reduce any potential risks.

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Can You Get Lyme From Your Pets

Theres no evidence of direct transmission of Lyme from pets to humans. But dogs and other domestic animals can bring Lyme-carrying ticks into your home. These ticks could attach to you and cause infection.

Its a good practice to check your pets for ticks after theyve been in tall grass, underbrush, or wooded areas where ticks are common.

Stage : Early Localized Disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease usually start 1 to 2 weeks after the tick bite. One of the earliest signs of the disease is a bulls-eye rash.

The rash occurs at the site of the tick bite, usually, but not always, as a central red spot surrounded by a clear spot with an area of redness at the edge. It may be warm to the touch, but it isnt painful and doesnt itch. This rash will gradually fade in most people.

The formal name for this rash is erythema migrans. Erythema migrans is said to be characteristic of Lyme disease. However, many people dont have this symptom.

Some people have a rash thats solid red, while people with dark complexions may have a rash that resembles a bruise.

The rash can occur with or without systemic viral or flu-like symptoms.

Other symptoms commonly seen in this stage of Lyme disease include:

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Where Can I Get Lyme Disease Testing And Treatment In Carmel In

Lyme disease is contracted when an infected tick bites you for long enough that the bacteria gets into your bloodstream. Treatment options include different types of antibiotics, given either orally or intravenously. If you have been bitten by a tick and are experiencing symptoms like those associated with Lyme disease, contact a doctor. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help you understand your diagnosis and help you to learn the best way to treat your disease. He services the Carmel, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN areas. Contact Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN today, so we can help to diagnose and treat your Lyme disease.

What Happens At Your Appointment

Understanding Lyme Disease

The GP will ask about your symptoms and consider any rash or recent tick bites you know about.

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. It has similar symptoms to other conditions and there’s not always an obvious rash.

2 types of blood test are available to help confirm or rule out Lyme disease. But these tests are not always accurate in the early stages of the disease.

You may need to be retested if you still have Lyme disease symptoms after a negative result.

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What Are The Treatments For Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. The earlier you are treated, the better it gives you the best chance of fully recovering quickly.

After treatment, some patients may still have pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts more than 6 months. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome . Researchers dont know why some people have PTLDS. There is no proven treatment for PTLDS long-term antibiotics have not been shown to help. However, there are ways to help with the symptoms of PTLDS. If you have been treated for Lyme disease and still feel unwell, contact your health care provider about how to manage your symptoms. Most people do get better with time. But it can take several months before you feel all better.

How To Remove Ticks

Tick bites aren’t always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Check your skin and your children’s or pets’ skin after being outdoors.

To remove a tick:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
  • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  • Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you’ve removed it.
  • Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.
  • The risk of getting ill is low. You don’t need to do anything else unless you become unwell.

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    Tick To Human Lyme Disease Transmission

    For Lyme disease to spread from a tick to a human, the infected tick must bite you and remain attached for at least 24 to 36 hours. The ticks, who often live in tall grass and wooded areas, cling to humans in places that are hard to detect. Most of the ticks that transmit Lyme disease are young . These smaller, immature ticks are even harder to discover on the body.

    Tick bites can happen almost all year round but are most common in the spring and summer months. There is no concrete evidence that a person can transmit Lyme disease to another human, except for the possibility of a pregnant person with untreated Lyme disease transferring the infection to their unborn child.

    Once a tick finds an attachment site on your skin, it makes an incision to place its feeding tube. It secretes substances to help it stay in place. Tick saliva has properties that numb your skin so youre less likely to feel it. As the tick slowly sucks your blood, it can transmit bacteria that cause infections, like Lyme disease.

    If youre worried about contracting Lyme disease, take precautions to avoid ticks in the first place:

    • Wear fully covering clothing when going outside .
    • Walk in the middle of trails instead of on the sides near trees and brush.
    • Avoid tall grass or areas with shrubs.

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    If you have not done so already, remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers.

    The chances that you might get Lyme disease from a single tick bite depend on the type of tick, where you acquired it, and how long it was attached to you. Many types of ticks bite people in the U.S., but only blacklegged ticks transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Furthermore, only blacklegged ticks in thehighly endemic areas of the northeastern and north central U.S. are commonly infected. Finally, blacklegged ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease. This is why its so important to remove them promptly and to check your body daily for ticks if you live in an endemic area.

    If you develop illness within a few weeks of a tick bite, see your health care provider right away. Common symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash, fever, body aches, facial paralysis, and arthritis. Ticks can also transmit other diseases, so its important to be alert for any illness that follows a tick bite.

    References:

    Moody KD, Barthold SW, 1991. Relative infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi in Lewis rats by various routes of inoculation.Am J Trop Med Hyg 44: 135-9.

    There are no reports of Lyme disease being spread to infants through breast milk. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease and are also breastfeeding, make sure that your doctor knows this so that he or she can prescribe an antibiotic thats safe for use when breastfeeding.

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    Does Lyme Disease Go Away On Its Own

    Its certainly possible for people to get Lyme disease and to clear the infection on their own, without treatment, says Dr. Kuritzkes. But its better to be treated, because some of the complicationslike arthritis and myocarditis and damage to the central nervous systemcan be very serious.

    The type of bacteria that causes Lyme disease is in the same general family as the type that causes syphilis, Dr. Kuritzkes explains. That doesnt mean anything similar in terms of transmission, but syphilis has several different phases, with primary and secondary and tertiary symptoms, he says. The infection can hide out in the body for a long time and can cause problems down the road if its not treated.

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    Can Lyme Disease Be Passed From Person To Person

    According to experts, there is no evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted from person to person. This means that a person can not pass on Lyme disease through kissing or having any close physical contact with another person. It also can not be contracted through:

    • Having sex with an infected partner
    • Sharing utensils, lipsticks, or razors

    And while there are some studies that claim that the bacteria borrelia can be sexually transmitted, following studies that tested vaginal and seminal fluids and found reactive samples of the bacteria. It is important to remember that there are limited scientific proof and sample sizes being used within these reports.

    Its important to note that while Lyme disease is most commonly found in woodland animals, it can also infect domestic pets, including cats and dogs. In saying that, there is no evidence that Lyme disease is contagious cross-species however.

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    How Long Does It Take To Get Lyme Disease

    The risk that a deer tick may transmit Lyme disease rises the longer the tick is attached, according to a review by Eisen from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in the January 2018 journal Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases.

    A study by Eisen and colleagues addressed a frequently asked question: How long does it take to get Lyme disease? According to their findings, the probability of an individual becoming infected with Borrelia burgdorferi , the pathogen which causes Lyme disease, increases the longer the tick is attached.

    Researchers found the risk increases:

    • Approximately 10% after a tick has been attached for 48 hours
    • 50% after 63 67 hours
    • 70% by 72 hours
    • 90% for a complete feed.

    The time it takes to become infected with the Lyme disease bacteria has generated lively debate in the United States, writes Eisen.

    Several mouse studies indicate that a single tick bite from a nymph tick cannot transmit Lyme disease in less than 24 hours. But others disagree.

    The possibility that transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes could occur within 24 hours of nymphal attachment under unusual circumstances should not be discounted, writes Eisen.

    While the tick is attached, the Bb spirochete have time to multiply in the gut, escape into the hemocoel and invade and multiply in the salivary glands before transmitting the Lyme bacteria.

    How Do You Prevent Lyme Disease

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    The best was to prevent Lyme disease and co-infections is awareness. Frequent tick checks on ourselves and our pets will help prevent exposure. Using a safe tick repellent and repellent infused clothing can also offers some additional protection. Put your clothes into the dryer when coming back into the house and place the dryer on high for 10 minutes. This heat will kill any ticks that could have been on your clothing. Make sure you inspect childrens full head, ears, underarms, umbilicus, , groin and between the toes. Here are instructions to remove a tick.

    Spending time in nature provides a spectacular experience, one that should not be avoided. With a few basic precautions, you can avoid getting infected with Lyme disease. Simple steps can help everyone stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors.

    Book a free discovery call with Cindy or Kerah at Pursue Wellness, where we can work with you to prevent, treat, and manage Lyme disease.

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    Learn How To Treat Lyme Disease Effectively

    When you think youve been infected with Lyme disease in Grapevine, TX, its important to seek medical help from Dr. Constantine Kotsansis at the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine. We understand how serious Lyme disease treatment is and are committed to making sure our patients stay as healthy as possible. Learning how to protect yourself from ticks is important as you can get Lyme disease more than once. This means that even when you clear yourself of the infection, you arent immune to getting it again. While Lyme disease is usually curable, getting professional Lyme disease treatment helps resolve your symptoms the fastest.

    How Is Lyme Disease Contracted And Is It Treatable

    Lyme disease is a serious disease carried by ticks. This infectious disease is incredibly common in the United States every year around 300,000 people will be infected with Lyme disease. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help you treat this disease in the most natural way. He services patients in the Carmel, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN areas. Schedule a consultation with Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN to learn more about how Lyme disease can affect you.

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    Preventing Tick Bites And Lyme Disease

    There’s currently no Lyme disease vaccine available for humans. However, there are clinical trials taking place in Europe and the U.S.

    The best way to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites. Check your provincial public health authority to find out where infected ticks are most likely to be found.

    • Wear light coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants to spot ticks easily.
    • Tuck your shirt into your pants, and your pants into your socks.
    • Wear closed-toe shoes.
    • Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin to clothing and exposed skin .
    • Wear permethrin-treated clothing .
    • Walk on cleared paths or trails.
    • Keep children and pets from wandering off paths.
    • Avoid using trails created by animals , as ticks are often found on the grass and plants along these trails.

    Do a check for ticks on yourself and your:

    • Outdoor gear, such as backpacks
    • Shower or bathe as soon as possible, as it can help you find unattached ticks. If you don’t shower or bathe, do a full-body tick check on yourself and your children.
    • If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible.
    • To kill unattached ticks on your clothing, put dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes. If your clothes are damp, you may need to dry them for longer.
    • If you wash your clothes, use hot water and dry on high heat. Ticks can survive a cold/warm wash cycle.
  • prune shrubs and trees to allow sunlight to filter through
  • place playground sets on a mulch or wood chip surface
  • Clinical Signs And Pathology

    Hidden Symptoms And Sources Of Lyme

    Lyme disease in humans is usually not a life-threatening illness and one should regard the health risks it does pose with concern rather than alarm. It is most often a mild illness mimicking a summer flu, but serious problems involving the heart, joints and nervous system may develop in some individuals.

    Lyme disease in humans may progress through three stages, depending upon the individual. In stage 1, people may have any combination of the following signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, fever, spreading rash, aching joints and muscles and fatigue. These signs and symptoms may disappear altogether, or they may reoccur intermittently for several months. A characteristic red rash, called erythema migrans may appear within 3 to 32 days after a person is bitten by an infected tick. The rash is circular in shape and can attain a diameter of 2 to 20 inches. EM is not restricted to the bite site and more than one lesion may occur on the body. Up to 30% of the people who have Lyme disease do not develop EM lesions, making diagnosis more difficult.

    In stage 2 , some people may develop complications involving the heart and/or nervous system. Specific disorders may include various degrees of heart block, nervous system abnormalities such as meningitis, encephalitis, and facial paralysis , and other conditions involving peripheral nerves. Painful joints, tendons, or muscles may also be noted during this stage of the disease.

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