Ticks are so little that they’re tricky to spot, yet they wreak havoc in the summer.
Because of climate change they are on the rise, and getting bitten by these teensy insects, found lurking in grass, can have serious consequences for your health.
Infected ticks can carry a bacterial infection called Lyme disease – and they spread it to humans. It’s a condition that can have similar symptoms to Covid- 19. Public Health England estimates 3,000 people suffer each year, with the true number likely to be higher.
“If a person develops a rash, the diagnosis can be made without a blood test and these cases are not reflected in official figures,” says Julia Knight, community outreach manager for Lyme Disease UK.
“With climate change the tick population is growing, and in some areas ticks are staying active even in winter.”
Celebrities Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, Amy Schumer and Ben Stiller have all had a brush with the infection. Don’t panic, though – it’s a myth that all bites lead to Lyme disease. Public Health England states no more than 10% of ticks have the bacteria that can cause the infection.
Here is the information you need to know…
SIGNS YOU'VE BEEN BITTEN
The main sign to look out for is a red, round, spreading rash called erythema migrans, says Julia. “It can appear three to 30 days after a bite and is known as a bull’s-eye rash, although it can look different on darker skins,” she says.
“Not everybody develops one either, so other signs to look out for are flu-like symptoms, a headache, stiff neck, sore muscles or joints, fever and feeling generally unwell.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 14, 2023 من OK! UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 14, 2023 من OK! UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.