say I was eating a lot of processed foods before, but I didn’t really pay much at- tention to what preservatives, and so on, was added to the food... I do now. I also make a lot more from scratch, so I know what’s in it. Since changing my diet, energy levels have been where I’ve seen the biggest change, and less joint and muscle pains. Q : Is there anything else you’d like to add to this conversation? A : Tick-borne illnesses need to be taken seriously! It’s a big help if you read up on the disease so you can be informed if you or one of your coworkers get it… it’s not something you can power through — trust me! From Banck’s experience, personal protective equipment (PPE) for Lyme and TBE includes more than repellent, long socks, and thick layers. Just as important as the physical items is the knowledge we arm ourselves with be- fore entering the field. Banck urges tree care professionals to read and understand the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses so that you can receive the proper treatment should a bite occur. “Yes, we get sore, tired and we get stiff muscles from the job... and yes we do get older, but it’s still better to get a pro- fessional opinion if you suddenly don’t feel like yourself anymore.” Follow and connect with Felixia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. *Note: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. If you suspect you have contracted a tick- borne illness (including TBE and Lyme disease), consult a medical profession- al promptly for expert advice and accu- rate treatment.
To remove a tick attached to skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward steadily without twisting. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
TBE Symptoms
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Stage 1 (The Flu-Like Stage) - TBE symptoms begin around day 7 to 14 after a tick bite and only lasts for a few days. Symptoms include: • Fever • Headache • Fatigue • Body aches and pains • Nausea or vomiting This round of symptoms is frequently mistaken for having the flu, or the com- mon cold, because the patient often feels better for about a week. Then the “Neurological Stage,” where the virus spreads to the brain and central nervous system causing the following possible symptoms: • Confusion • Stiff neck and shoulders • Loss of coordination • Seizures second wave of symptoms hit: Stage 2 – This is known as the
Like TBE, Lyme disease symptoms may not all appear at once. Along with flu-like symptoms, the most common initial symptom of Lyme is a bull’s-eye rash; however, this reaction can be missed and should not be treated as the only indication of an infection. These symptoms can appear anywhere between three to 30 days after a tick bite. Often, medical intervention can help alleviate Lyme disease symptoms. But, if left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and cause symptoms like: • Rash
• Facial palsy • Nerve pain • Lyme carditis – inflammation of the heart • Severe headaches and neck stiffness (meningitis) • Long-term: arthritis pain and chronic neurological issues
• Weakness or paralysis (especially in the limbs)
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