Bitten by a Tick? Here is What to do Next

The most asked question I get is “Where do I send my tick for testing?”  Tick testing should not be used as diagnostic but can be used as a knowledge tool. It can help put pieces together, although it is important to know that some pathogens are possibly animal pathogens that will not affect humans.  So, you do have to do a little research when you get the results.  

It is important to be reminded that science is always changing. A pathogen may not be known at the time of testing or the tick was carrying a pathogen not tested for. There are over 100 known borrelia strains in the United States and over 300 worldwide.  No tick testing is comprehensive.  Even if the tick comes back negative, be sure to continue to watch for flu-like symptoms. Again... tick testing can be a tool but not complete diagnostic. 

Get the tick off as quickly and cleanly as possible. Use only fine-pointed tweezers and pull upward with a slow steady pressure. NEVER burn it, twist it, or smother it with any production to try to get it to “back out”. The point is to remove it, intact, without causing it to regurgitate bacteria into your bloodstream. Always clean the bite thoroughly.  If you get a rash or not feeling well call your doctor right away.  Symptoms can take 30 days to begin.  By then most people have forgotten about that tick bite and do not associate the symptoms they are experiencing with it.  

Igenex has the best available human tick-borne disease testing out there.

Also, ILADS, International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society recommends against single dose antibiotics and recommend 20 days of prophylactic antibiotics for all black legged tick bites.  I am copying the link to their guidelines.  ILADS - Treatment Guidelines 

Another great article with information on tick bites is Lymedisease.org - Tick Bites

Stay safe out there.  Pre-treated clothes with Permethrin are best.  Follow application instructions on bottle and never spray Permethrin around cats.

If you have any other questions, reach out to info@illymeassociation.org