Are you planning to travel?
Being aware of ticks and tick-borne illnesses can help prevent serious health problems at home and away.
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Ticks can be found around the globe and have different habits, habitats and carry different pathogens depending on where you’re headed. Here are a few tips for travelers:
- Pack light coloured clothes, a hat and insect repellent to prevent tick and insect bites while you travel.
- Remember to bring a tick removal kit or pointy tweezers and a sealable bag or container when you travel. If you find a tick, save it for identification and testing.
- Whether you’re at home or away, check your skin and hair at least once daily. Many people don’t see or feel a tick bite and some ticks can transmit pathogens in a matter of minutes so time is of the essence!
- Keep tick-borne illness on the radar if you become ill during or after travel. Some risk areas can be found by searching “ticks” and your region of travel.
- There are many different species of ticks worldwide. Ticks can be found in rural areas, in cities and when there are animals around, they can even be found indoors.
- There are also many different types of tick-borne illnesses worldwide. Not only do they each come with their own set of symptoms, they can also look very different from person to person.
- Fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue and rashes are symptoms common to many tick-borne illnesses. If you become ill, discuss the possibility of tick-borne illness with your healthcare provider, and let them know where you have traveled to and when.
- In the case of infections like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, early treatment can be life saving. Your doctor may want to consult with local physicians or health units regarding tick-borne illnesses in their region.
- Take matters into your own hands by learning how to prevent tick encounters before you travel and by researching ticks and tick-borne illnesses specific to your destination.
- A little planning goes a long way when it comes to having a safe and happy holiday!