Lyme Disease, Ticks and You

Book excerpt: Lyme disease has been steadily on the rise since the 1990s, and the threat of Lyme is only expected to grow as warmer global temperatures potentially prolong the tick season. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 33,666 confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease reported in the United States. The Government of Canada reported 1,487 cases that same year. Lyme, if not treated early, can develop into a debilitating disease, with symptoms that can be felt for months or even years. Lyme Disease, Ticks and You is an easy-to-follow and essential guide to understanding, detecting and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Dr. Shelley Ball, a trained freshwater insect ecologist, is a long-term Lyme sufferer who has been infected multiple times, including with various other tick-borne diseases. Drawing from years of experience advocating for her own health, Dr. Ball has gathered together the information and resources the reader needs to not only understand the science, prevent tick bites and recognize Lyme, but also get treatment for this complex and often misdiagnosed disease. Chapters include: Chapter 2: What You Need to Know about Ticks and Lyme Disease Chapter 3: A Brief Biology of Lyme Disease Chapter 4: How Can I Reduce the Risk of a Tick Bite? Chapter 5: What If I'm Bitten? Chapter 6: Treating Lyme and Co-Infections Lyme Disease, Ticks and You is capped off with an extensive list of references and resources that will further equip each reader with the information they need to deal with ticks, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.