UK Health Security Agency issue tick advice to Brits

Now, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued some advice as the season for ticks begins to boom.

A spokesperson said: “There is ongoing advice to people on our social channels about being tick aware.

“The tick season in the UK generally peaks from March to October, with peak activity often occurring between April and July.”

How to prevent ticks

Ticks can be prevented by:

• Wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirt and shoes
• Wearing a hat and tuck in hair
• Using an insect repellent (preferably containing the active ingredient DEET)
• Checking skin, hair and warm skin folds (especially the neck and scalp of children) for ticks, after a day out
• Checking for ticks and removing any from your pets/ clothing/ outdoor gear
• Removing any ticks and consulting with a GP if symptoms develop.

Professor Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Ticks are found right across Ireland and most people who are bitten do not become ill.

“Lyme disease can occasionally cause serious health problems if not diagnosed and treated early so awareness is key.

“People should know where ticks are commonly found, check their skin after spending time outdoors, and seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash spreading outward from a bite site or flu-like symptoms following a tick bite.”

How to remove an attached tick

1. If you find an attached tick, remove it by gently gripping it as close to the skin as possible using a pair of fine tipped tweezers or tick removal tool
2. Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick
3. Wash your skin with warm water and soap afterwards, and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite
4. Do not use a lit cigarette end, a match head, or substances such as alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

Symptoms of tick bites

In some cases, tick bites may cause:

• swelling
• itchiness
• blistering
• bruising

Tick bites aren’t usually painful but they may cause a red lump to develop where you were bitten.

Many pharmacies and outdoor stores sell tick removal devices. These are useful if you often spend time in areas where there are ticks.

If the tick’s mouthparts break off in the skin and can’t be removed, this may cause irritation but they they should fall out naturally in time.

Do not use a cigarette end, match head, alcohol or petroleum jelly on a tick.