Tick & Lyme Testing & Treatment in Connecticut
Tick bites are a common occurrence for Connecticut residents, but no need to fear. At our primary care facilities in Connecticut, our board-certified physicians and medical staff offer expert care at an affordable price for patients who have been bitten by a tick.
DOCS is home to certified professionals who are skilled in the testing and treatment of Lyme disease. You may contact us with any questions or concerns you may have prior to your appointment or to schedule an appointment to avoid any wait. Remember to provide a valid photo ID and an insurance card at the time of your visit.
Our Connecticut Locations Offering Tick & Lyme Testing
Why get tested?
The summer and fall seasons are heightened times of the year when referring to the population of ticks outside. Ticks carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous pathogens that have the potential to cause diseases in humans and animals. Within the hundreds of known species of ticks, few pose a real threat. However, the East Coast is home to the dangerous Ixodes Scapularis, a carrier of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by a tick feeding from an infected species, then biting another animal or human.
If you’ve been exposed to any woody areas or tall grass, brushy areas, or have a job that involves working outside, you have a greater risk of Lyme disease. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and getting tested will help catch and/or prevent future complications caused by Lyme disease.
getting checked for lyme
If you’ve recently removed a tick, or a ring-like rash suddenly pops up, you could be at risk for Lyme disease. Come visit your primary care physician at DOCS to receive a physical exam and confirm if you have been bitten or have contracted lyme disease. Our medical staff will be happy to assist you right away and keep you protected in the future, before the disease progresses.
Below is a list of common symptoms of a tick bite. If you’ve experienced any of the listed symptoms after being exposed to tickets, make an appointment at one of our DOCS Primary Care offices.
Some Symptoms of a Tick Bite Will Include:
- Fever/Chills
- Headaches, Fatigue, Muscle Aches
- Nausea
- Rash (Usually seen at the site of the tick bite)
Diagnosis & Treatment of lyme disease
Treatment begins with a blood test, known as the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test, to test antibodies for infectious bacteria. If the test results are positive, our physicians will administer a western-bolt test to identify any other possible issues. It is important to remember that not everyone infected with Lyme disease will show a positive result. Additionally, a patient who experiences all the symptoms may have a false-positive result. These inaccuracies can be a result of a test administered too close to the date of infection, or immunity.
The test results will be most accurate within three weeks of infection.
Fast recovery is directly related to diagnosis in the early stages, which is within the first month of infection. If untreated for a long period of time, additional treatments may be needed to alleviate pain and remedy complications.
Protect Yourself From Tick Bites
- Avoid Wooded Areas and High Grass
- Walk in Center of Trails
- Wear long sleeves and pants when working with brush or in other common area of ticks
- Use repellents that contain 20-30% DEET
- Use products that contain 0.5% permethrin on clothing.
- Examine clothes, backpacks and pets after coming back from any outdoor activity
Tick Removal
If you spot a tick, follow these tick removal steps to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Fine-tipped tweezers should be used to remove the tick.
- Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers.
- While grasping the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, pull upward while keeping your hand steady. It is important not to squeeze or twist the tick, as this may cause the mouth of the tick to get stuck.
- After the tick is removed, wash the tick bite and surrounding areas with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine scrub.
- It is important to take cautionary measures when disposing of the tick. Wrap the tick in tape, place in a sealed bag or container, or submerge the tick in alcohol.
The Care You Need, When You Need It In Connecticut
DOCS Primary Care of Connecticut is made of many locations around the state, our #1 goal is to provide you speedy service and top-of-the-line lyme disease prevention and treatment at an affordable price.
