14 April 2025
Spring is a time of increased tick activity
Spring walks in the forest, park or meadow are a great way to relax and connect with nature. Unfortunately, in such places it is easy to come across ticks that can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). That is why it is worth remembering the rules of protection against ticks and knowing the first symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
What diseases do ticks transmit?
Ticks are carriers of many dangerous pathogens. The most common tick-borne diseases are:
- Lyme disease – a bacterial disease that may present with erythema migrans, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) – a viral disease that can lead to serious neurological complications.
- Rarer infections, such as anaplasmosis or babesiosis, can also cause serious health problems.
Where can you catch a tick?
Ticks are not found exclusively in forests. They can also be found:
- in city parks,
- in meadows and clearings,
- in home gardens,
- on allotments and in tall grass.
That's why even a regular walk with your dog can end with a dangerous prick.
How to recognize a tick bite?
A tick bite is painless, so it often goes unnoticed. It is worth paying attention to:
- Erythema migrans – characteristic redness around the injection site,
- flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain,
- concentration problems, joint pain, fatigue – these may appear even several weeks after the injection.
How to effectively protect yourself against ticks?
To minimize the risk of being bitten, follow these rules:
1. Appropriate clothing
- Wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Tuck your pants into your shoes – it will be harder for ticks to get to your skin.
2. Use repellents
- Use repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
3. Check your body carefully after a walk
- Especially the groin area, armpits, behind the ears, and the bends of the knees and elbows.
- The tick should be removed as soon as possible – preferably using tweezers or a special lasso.
4. Consider vaccination
- Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an effective form of protection – also available in our facilities.
If you notice redness or disturbing symptoms after a walk in a green area, do not delay visiting a doctor.
Want to know more? Listen to podcasts WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?.
Cycle TICK-BORNE DISEASES explains in an accessible way how Lyme disease is treated, when it is worth doing tests, and what to do after a tick bite.
In May, the nationwide PILOT PROGRAMME OF FOOT EXAMINATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, the aim of which was to detect posture defects early, came to an end. As part of the program, the NZOZ Your Doctor Rehabilitation Workshop conducted over 3,300 consultations, providing care to almost 2,500 young patients.
The Surgical Clinic NZOZ Twój Lekarz team has gained a new specialist and a new range of services. Dr. Łukasz Wajs has joined the group of doctors, who in his work at the clinic combines knowledge in the field of general surgery with modern methods of bariatric surgery, treatment of varicose veins with sclerotherapy and care for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.
Who we are
In our work, we are guided by the idea of a family doctor who provides the patient with comprehensive care at all times, not only when they are ill. Our mission is to take care of the health of residents on a daily basis. We provide health education and promote prevention.
Copyright © Wrocław 2021 NZOZ Your Doctor Sp. z o. o. All Rights Reserved.
Website created by KomuKoncept: www.komukoncept.pl
