Spring and summer are the season of highest tick activity. They can live not only in the forests, but also in the parks of the city. To help you protect yourself, we decided to collect all the most effective methods of protection against ticks. Here’s who they are:
Vaccination
Ticks can transmit many diseases to humans: from borreliosis to encephalitis. Vaccination is only for tick-borne encephalitis for those who live or travel to an endemic region where these critters are abundant. It is recommended that the first vaccine be given at the end of autumn, the second – after 1-3 months, so that the body has time to prepare for the tick season.
There is also emergency vaccination, in which the interval between the first and second doses of the vaccine is reduced to two weeks. Revaccination should be done after one year.
Head ornament
Before you go to nature, you need to choose the right clothes and hat. You should put a hat or scarf on your head. You can also put on a hood to prevent ticks from getting on your scalp – insects are harder to find in hair.
How to protect yourself from ticks and what to do when bitten?
The right clothes
When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover as much skin as possible. Avoid bright colors and choose clothes made of thick fabric to prevent ticks from penetrating the material. It is best to wear light-colored clothing, as insects are easier to spot on plain light-colored fabric.
Closed shoes
It is better not to wear open-toed sandals when you are outdoors. The fully enclosed shoes that protect your feet and ankles – sneakers, boots, etc. – will help protect your feet from ticks. It’s also worth tucking your trousers into your shoes to protect your shins.
Anti-tick sprays
To protect yourself from insects, use special sprays containing anti-tick components. Such products should be used differently from mosquito repellents. All clothing should be treated with the spray until slightly damp – up to two bottles may be used per set of clothing per day.
Apply the product only to the outside of the clothes to avoid skin irritation. And after spending time in nature, you need to wash all your clothes. The spray can also be applied to shoes and bags.
Body check
Regularly check and examine your body for ticks after a walk in the forest or park. You should do this every 15-20 minutes: check yourself and your companions. Pay special attention to the head, armpits, around the lower back and neck
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Tick removal
If you find a tick on your body, don’t panic. It is better to consult a doctor immediately, but if this is not possible, use a special tool to remove ticks. Never use alcohol, cream or oil to remove a tick, as this can increase the risk of transmission of infection.
Carefully remove the tick by twisting it on its axis and being careful not to tear off its head. Then you need to put the insect in a small jar and send it for examination within 24 hours.
