Enjoying Outdoor Exercise Safely During the Lockdown. Charity Campaign Urges Public to Prevent Tick Bites and ‘Wake Up to Lyme’
Many of us are taking to the outdoors even more than ever. The recent good weather is definitely part of the reason. However the temporary closure of our usual indoor leisure activities has had an even bigger impact. It’s important to support NHS services by preventing further cases of Lyme disease this summer. Consequently we need to be aware of how to prevent tick bites. We should also know what to do if we are bitten and become unwell.
UK registered charity, Lyme Disease UK, is kicking off its fourth ‘Wake Up to Lyme’ campaign in May. This is International Lyme Awareness Month. The campaign aims to:
- Alleviate pressure on NHS services by reducing the incidence of patients seeking medical attention for tick bites
- Make local communities aware of how to prevent tick bites and reducing the likelihood of more people contracting Lyme disease
- Share advice on how to safely remove a tick
- Inform people that if they do become unwell following a tick bite, they should seek early treatment from their GP. This gives the best chance of recovery and avoiding complications
View the short campaign animation below:
Lyme Disease UK will be sending posters and leaflets to pharmacies around the UK. It will also be sharing awareness and prevention information every day throughout May on its social media platforms. These are:
- LDUK Online Community on Facebook
- Instagram @LymeDiseaseUK
- Twitter @UKlyme using the hashtag #wakeuptolyme.)
The hope is that the awareness campaign reduces the number of new infections this spring/summer. It also hopes to educate people on how to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Key facts about Lyme disease:
- Lyme disease is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected tick.
- Ticks carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease have been found in all counties across the UK. This includes urban parks and gardens.
- Not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will get the typical bull’s-eye rash. Rashes can be atypical in appearance. Patients with Lyme disease rashes are often misdiagnosed with ringworm, cellulitis and eczema.
- It is important to seek medical attention for a tick bite if you either feel unwell or find a rash following a tick bite.
- Early treatments crucial to prevent long term symptoms and complications.
For further information visit www.limediseaseuk.com
