Tick Removal & Lyme Disease Testing in Bethel, CT
Tick bites are a common occurrence for Connecticut residents, but no need to fear. DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel offers expert care at an affordable price for patients who have been bit by a tick. DOCS is home to certified professionals who are skilled in the testing and treatment of Lyme disease. DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel has On-Board Certified Physicians available for walk-in patients, or you may book an appointment in advanced. We offer extended hours from Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8am-5pm.
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. For your convenience, you may download the provided form to complete before your appointment. DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel is here to help and happy to provide world-class treatment.
QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE
DOCS URGENT CARE – BETHEL
ADDRESS
6 Stony Hill Rd.
Bethel, CT 06801
PHONE
(860)-717-0335
FAX
(860)-717-0335
HOURS
WEEKDAYS : 8AM-8PM
SATURDAY : 8AM-4PM
SUNDAY: CLOSED
Why get tested?
The summer and fall months are the perfect time for walks in the park, dog walking, and hikes, but they are also the perfect time for ticks to come out and play. 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, many pose no harm. 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.
It’s important to get tested for Lyme disease if you’ve recently been in any wooded or tall grass areas. Jobs that involve working outside in brushy areas put you at a higher risk of Lyme disease as well. 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 are at risk for Lyme disease. DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel is happy to treat you right away and help 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, head on over to DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel.
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.
1. Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers. 2. 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. 3. After the tick is removed, wash the tick bite and surrounding areas with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine scrub. 4. 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 When You Need It in Bethel
DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel is one of the many locations part of the larger DOCS Urgent Care network. DOCS Urgent Care is ran by professional, qualified physicians who offer quality, world class care. Our #1 goal is to provide you speedy service and top-of-the-line treatment at an affordable price.
