Tick ​​Security | UP Health System

Exposure to ticks can occur year-round, however, most ticks become active during the warmer months (April through September). At UP Health System – Portage, your health is important to us and we’re here to point you in the right direction with some tips and tricks this tick season.

Before going out

Spring, summer and fall in the Upper Peninsula (UP) are the perfect time to get out and enjoy all the beauty – be it hiking, camping, walking, etc. But the concern about ticks during peak tick season is real. Before you go out, try these few tips to help you avoid ticks.

• Know where to expect ticks – ticks live in grassy, ​​brushy or wooded areas. When walking outdoors, know your surroundings and adjust your route.
• Treat clothes and equipment with products containing 0.5% permethrin – this helps in case of close contact with a tick, they will quickly become unable to bite.

After going inside

After a long day outdoors and enjoying all that UP has to offer, it is important to:

• Check your clothes – ticks can be carried into the house on clothing. To ensure tick removal, place your clothes in a dryer for 10 minutes on high heat.
• Examine equipment and pets – ticks can attach themselves to anything and everything, including pets. Carefully examine your pets, coats and backpacks to make sure you are safe.
• Shower soon after being outdoors – Showering within two hours of going indoors has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease and can effectively reduce the risk of Lyme disease. other tick-borne diseases (According to the CDC).
• Finally, check your body, including under the arms, behind the knees, between the legs, and around the waist to catch them early.

Not everyone is lucky enough to escape a tick, which means it’s possible for a tick to be attached or embedded in your skin. It’s important to remove the tick as soon as possible, and UP Health System – Portage shares some tips for successfully removing a tick.

How to remove a tick

• Use clean, fine tweezers to grab the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible.
• Pull up with even pressure. Note: do not twist or shake, it may cause the mouthparts to break off and stay in your skin.
• After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, in a sealed bag/container, or flushing it down the toilet.

Tick ​​Removal Tracking

Many tick-borne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. If you have had a tick bite and develop any of the following symptoms within a few weeks, speaking with your primary care provider is strongly recommended to properly treat and diagnose the condition. The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Aches and pains – including headaches, fatigue and muscle aches
• Eruption

This spring and beyond, don’t let a tick bite get in the way. Follow the tips and tricks above to ensure a healthy and enjoyable spring and summer for you, your family and our entire community. If you have a tick bite, tell your provider immediately or visit UP Health System – Portage Express Care located in Calumet and Houghton. Visit UPHealthSystem.com/Express-Care to learn more about our services.

For more information on tick prevention and tips, visit CDC.