Have you been bitten by a tick? If you need assistance with tick removal or Lyme disease treatment, turn to Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care. We’re a trusted urgent care practice with locations across Connecticut and New York, and our providers have extensive experience treating both tick bites and Lyme disease.
One of the main concerns with tick bites is that they can transmit Lyme disease, a type of bacterial infection. Black-legged ticks, which are usually about the size of a small seed, can carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). This type of tick climbs grasses and plants and waits for a human or animal to pass by so that it can affix itself to the host’s skin and draw blood for nourishment. If the tick is infected, it may transmit the infectious bacteria into the host’s bloodstream while doing so.
Notably, ticks also have the potential to transmit other illnesses, including:
One of the telltale symptoms of Lyme disease is a rash that expands over time. Contrary to popular belief, Lyme disease rashes don’t always resemble bullseye targets, and not everyone with Lyme disease develops a rash. Other signs of a potential Lyme disease infection include:
These symptoms tend to develop within 30 days after a tick bite, so it’s important to remain especially vigilant during that period. If you’re concerned that you might be infected, you should promptly seek Lyme disease treatment, since an untreated infection could potentially spread to other areas of the body, including the heart and the nervous system.
It’s possible for you to remove a tick by yourself. (To do this, you’ll need to grasp the tick with a pair of fine tweezers and then gently pull upward without twisting, squeezing, or puncturing it.) But if you don’t feel comfortable removing a tick on your own, or if you try removing it but are unsuccessful, you should promptly seek professional care. Our local providers can assist with tick removal in the center, or via 24/7 telehealth.
Even if you’ve already removed a tick yourself, you may still want to consult with a medical provider. Once they’ve evaluated your condition, they’ll supply you with customized treatment recommendations, which might include taking an antibiotic such as doxycycline to reduce your risk of infection.
Whether you choose to remove a tick on your own or seek professional care, it’s important that you act quickly. The risk of acquiring Lyme disease increases the longer a tick is attached to a person’s skin, and removing a tick within 24 hours will significantly reduce your chances of becoming infected. Plus, if your provider recommends taking doxycycline, the medication will be most effective if started within 72 hours after removing the tick.
Because tick bites can transmit Lyme disease and various other illnesses, it’s important to proactively take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten. Whenever you spend time in a wooded area, even if it’s your own backyard, you should:
Ticks are most active during the warm spring and summer months, so it’s important to be especially cautious during those seasons. But don’t let your guard down in fall and winter. It takes only 48 hours of above-freezing temperatures for ticks to become active, so they’re technically active year-round.
If you think you may have been bitten by a tick, or if you’re experiencing the Lyme disease symptoms described above, visit Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care today. We have locations across Connecticut and New York, all of which offer tick bite and Lyme disease treatment 365 days per year during extended hours. We offer walk-in availability, online booking, and a 24/7 integrated telehealth service, so you can choose the treatment option that works best for you.
Patient: Somers, NY
We are proudly associated with Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut and New York. We, also, work collaboratively with local providers, including your primary care or specialty doctor, across Connecticut and New York.
Our experienced providers are trained in emergency, family, and internal medicine. In fact, you’ll find many are the same experts who have treated patients in local area hospitals.
Fees vary, though are significantly lower than a visit to the emergency room and generally the same or slightly higher than a visit to your primary care doctor.
If you have insurance, the total charges will be determined based on your insurance provider’s policy regarding urgent care and the level of care you receive during your visit with us. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance company.
For information on the estimated cost of a self-pay visit, please call your local Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care center.
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Yes, we accept most major insurances. Your co-pay is collected and required at the time of service. Please visit our Accepted Insurance page for more information.
