The Truth about Lyme Disease
Most people are familiar with the term "Lyme Disease", but they may not fully understand what this illness is. The tick-borne disease Lyme is transmitted primarily by deer and black-legged (also called deer) ticks. It can lead to serious complications in the body if it's not treated quickly. In many countries, it is a growing public health issue. Each year, approximately 300,000. cases are reported just in the United States. It is important that everyone understands Lyme Disease - the causes, symptoms and treatments available, along with prevention methods.
Understand Lyme Disease - What is it?
Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The bacterium can be transmitted from black-legged mosquitoes to humans by their bite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Lyme disease is responsible for over 80% of all tick-borne illnesses in the U.S. Its incidence rates are highest for children between 5-14 and for adults 50-59. In 1975, a mysterious arthritis outbreak near Lyme in Connecticut led to the first recognition of Lyme disease. The disease was first reported on all continents except Antarctica and in each of the 50 US states.
Common Causes of Lyme Disease
Borrelia Burgdorferi is the primary cause of Lyme Disease. The bacterium enters the body when an infected bug bites a human. The ticks can be as small as a poppy-seed. These are the factors which may make you more susceptible to Lyme Disease:
- Spending time near or in grassy or wooded areas is a good idea. Ticks love moist, humid conditions.
- The ticks are attracted to exposed flesh. Wear long pants and sleeves if you live in an area with ticks.
- If you do not remove ticks quickly or correctly, the risk of contracting Lyme's disease will increase.
Common Treatments for Lyme Disease
Treatment of Lyme involves mainly antibiotics. Treatment effectiveness depends on how far the disease has progressed. These are common treatments.
- Adults and older children over 8 years of age are prescribed Doxycycline. If taken within 72-hours of the tick bite, it is highly effective at treating certain early stage diseases and later stages.
- Amoxicilline and Cefuroxime are frequently recommended to infants, children and women who are pregnant. These drugs have the same success rate as Doxycycline.
- Patients may require intravenous antibiotics in severe cases. The treatment can be effective, but it comes with an increased risk of adverse effects.
Expert opinions on Lyme Disease
Lyme experts agree that prevention of the disease is essential. Richard Ostfeld is a disease ecologist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies . He stresses the importance of taking personal protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, using repellents and performing tick checks regularly. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health also suggest that ticks should be removed promptly to minimize infection risk.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can be used to complement medical treatment for Lyme disease. Prevention, on the other hand, is still the best strategy.
- Healthy eating: Eating well balanced food can help boost the immune system, and accelerate recovery.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity is good for your health. It boosts the immune system.
- Avoid tick-infested zones: Try to avoid areas that are known for having a large number of ticks.
- Use insect repellents on your skin and clothes.
- Checking for ticks regularly: After being outdoors, thoroughly check the body to ensure there are no ticks.
Lyme is an increasingly serious condition. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that's transmitted via tick bites. It occurs primarily in grassy or wooded areas. Although there are effective treatments for this illness, the most important thing to do is prevent it. Understanding Lyme Disease - its causes and treatment options - and prevention measures can help us protect our family members and ourselves.
.