Tick Season

Ticks are everywhere: in the forest, meadows, parks – anyplace with a bit
of vegetation. These miniature creatures are carriers of infection starting in early spring until late fall. Ticks can infect humans with Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Although there is no vaccination available against Lyme disease in the Czech Republic, an infected bite will exhibit distinct characteristics. Look for a fairly red spot with a white center. If diagnosed at an early stage, the disease can be suppressed with antibiotics so further damage to your health is minimal.
 
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is available however and helps to prevent the contraction of a serious viral disease affecting the brain. This vaccination is not a luxury treatment – everyone serious about his/her health should consider it a ‘standard’ vaccination. Tick-borne encephalitis is a very serious disease which can leave permanent after effects such as concentration problems, paralysis and depression – even death.
 
All it takes to be protected is three painless injections administered in the following intervals:
 
1st dose: as soon as possible (this is valid for both cold and warm seasons of the year)

2nd dose: 1-3 months from the date of the first dose (during the cold season of the year); 14 days from the date of the first dose (during the warm season of the year)

3rd dose: 9-12 months from the date of the second dose (this is valid for both warm and cold seasons of the year).
 
It is highly recommended to renew the efficacy of the vaccination with one booster shot given regularly every three years.
 
Please see your doctor for more information about the vaccination or if you believe you may have a tick bite, for detailed medical advice.

This article was provided by Canadian Medical Care.