Watch out for ticks this 4th of July weekend! The scoop on Lyme Disease.

Hello fellow steemians!

Since the fourth of July weekend is coming up, I thought would give all the campers and lake goers the 411 on Lyme Disease! It seems fitting because it is also one of the topics I am studying (yes, medical students study on Fridays).

Borrelia burgdorferi is the culprit behind Lyme disease, and it can be contacted by the Ixodes tick. It is most common in the northeastern United States- so watch out Michiganders! Mice are the natural reservoir, but humans are the dead end hosts.

There are 3 stages of Lyme disease:

1. Early locatization: (3 days- 1 month) This is when some people can get the typical BULLS-EYE rash. This is not occur in everyone, but it is important to seek treatment if you recognize this pattern. Flu-like symptoms can also be present.

1. Early Disseminated: (days- weeks later) Facial nerve palsy, aka a droopy-looking face, can be of concern . People can also experience heart blocks. Definitely seek medical attention at this time!

2. Late Disseminated: (months-years) Chronic migratory arthritis (most commonly in the knees) and encephalopathy (brain swelling).

The first line treatment is Doxycycline , followed with amoxicillin and cefuroxime in pregnant women and children.

PREVENTION: Use DEET spray to avoid tick bites in the first place! It can't be a true woodsy weekend without the ever so familiar smell of bug spray!!

Be sure to have a blast cooking out, playing (carefully) with fireworks, and enjoying the outdoors!

Fun Fact: Did you know the 4th of July is the "biggest hotdog holiday of the year". What is your favorite hotdog condiment!?

Friendly Reminder: Cut hotdogs long ways for young children to prevent potential choking! That is of course, only if you want to keep from ruining hotdogs for your child the rest of their life. The choice is yours.

Thanks for reading and Happy Friday!