–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth
Well, it is that time of year already–ticks (fig. 4) are out and about searching for a blood meal. So, just be aware and take the appropriate tick avoidance precautions while enjoying the great outdoors. Remember, to remove an attached tick it is recommended to use something like needle nosed tweezers or forceps. Grab the tick by its abdomen and pull with a constant pressure, but not so much that you pull the tick apart, but a gentle constant pressure until it releases its grip. Then put the tick in a small bottle of clear alcohol or freeze, if no rubbing alcohol is available, so you can keep this specimen. Then if you develop flu-like symptoms in the next couple of weeks or the site of the bite becomes red and inflamed you need to take the specimen and visit your health care provider.
