Tick Bites and Prevention of Lyme Disease: How Can My Rexall Pharmacist Help?

Ticks become infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease by feeding on infected wild animals (e.g., deer, birds, and rodents). It takes about 24 hours for the tick to transmit the bacteria to humans once it has been attached, so the earlier it is removed from the skin after discovered, the better. The bacteria transmitted from the tick may cause Lyme disease, which is a potentially serious illness. The first symptom of Lyme disease is redness on the skin that is usually at least 5 cm across and often appears like a bull’s eye pattern within 3-30 days after the tick bite. The rash is not typically itchy or painful. Flu-like symptoms, which include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and headache, may accompany the rash. If not treated with antibiotics, more serious symptoms of Lyme disease may occur in the weeks and months that follow. 

If you think that you have a tick bite, you should see your Rexall Pharmacist as soon as possible. Your Rexall Pharmacist can assess your condition to ensure that you have had a tick bite and do not have any signs and symptoms that would be better treated by a doctor or other health professional. If the tick is still intact on your skin, your Rexall Pharmacist will show you the proper way to remove the tick. They will also assess your circumstances to determine whether taking an antibiotic as a prevention measure against getting Lyme disease is right for you. 

Your Rexall Pharmacist can assess your situation and discuss the benefits and risks of antibiotic treatment to prevent Lyme disease, if appropriate. In some cases, antibiotic treatment can be used in individuals eight years of age or older. If you do not receive an antibiotic for prevention of Lyme disease after a tick bite, your Rexall Pharmacist will ask you to see your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of Lyme disease in the 30 days after the tick bite so that you can be treated appropriately.