With the warmer weather upon us and all of us spending more time outside it is important to be vigilant about ticks. Please see below for more information regarding ticks.
PLEASE NOTE: FOR A TICK TO PASS ALONG MOST INFECTIONS (INCLUDING LYME DISEASE):
- IT MUST BE A DEER TICK
- IT NEEDS TO BE CARRYING THE DISEASE
- IT MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE SKIN FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS OR LONGER .
If a tick is NOT a deer tick OR if it has not been attached for more than 24 hours, this is NO cause for concern regarding Lyme Disease or other diseases. Simply REMOVE the tick and keep the area clean as you would do after removing a splinter.
The following are some quick tips about ticks:
PREVENTION (adapted from the CDC):
- USE INSECT SPRAY WITH AT LEAST 20% DEET. (see EPA for information on how to choose the right insect repellent)
- TREAT DOGS AND CATS FOR TICKS.
- CHECK YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN FOR TICKS DAILY. (especially under arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waist and on the hairline and scalp)
- SHOWER SOON AFTER BEING OUTDOORS.
- CONSIDER SOME OPTIONS AROUND YOUR HOME TO REDUCE TICK POPULATIONS:
REMOVAL OF A TICK (adapted from the CDC):
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible.
- Pull upward with a steady, even pressure.
- After removal, clean the area with soap and water and apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment.
- It is common for small pieces of a tick to remain in the skin. THIS IS OKAY. Keep the area clean and apply the over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Applying a warm, wet compress a couple times a day may help the body push the fragment out.
SPRING ALLERGY INFORMATION:
Spring is here! Spring is here and with it comes sunshine, warm temperatures, blooming flower buds, and spring allergies. Often spring allergy symptoms can mimic the symptoms of conjunctivitis. Please see below regarding this and monitor your child at home and call the doctor if they are having symptoms.
Pink eye
Bacterial conjunctivitis may:
- Cause large amounts of discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together
- Occur alongside an ear infection
Whereas viral conjunctivitis typically:
- Causes watery discharge from the eye
- Begins in one eye and spreads to the other after a couple of days
- Occurs alongside cold and/or flu symptoms
Allergies
Allergic conjunctivitis typically:
- Occurs in both eyes
- Occurs alongside other allergy symptoms like itchy nose, runny nose, and sneezing
- Causes intense itching and tearing of the eyes
- Causes swelling of the eyes
If your child has seasonal allergies, talk to their doctor or follow the plan the doctor has put into place for your child. Begin allergy control medicines early and give them every day. Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra are a few over the counter allergy medicines available for children that can help to control seasonal allergy symptoms. If your child has not been diagnosed with allergies, but gets a "cold every spring" or has symptoms of a cold that linger longer than a week, your child may have seasonal allergies. Talk to your child's pediatrician or pharmacist for recommendations that best meet the needs and comfort of your child. This site has helpful information if you would like to learn more: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy.html and check out this site for our local pollen predictions: https://weather.com/forecast/allergy/l/Framingham+MA
Thanks!
-Nurse Jenn and Nurse Margareth
