Protection against tick bites and other insects in the warm season

What are ticks dangerous?

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that are often mistaken for insects. In fact, they belong to the arachnid class. These parasites are characterised by a small body and eight legs (four pairs).

The mouthparts of ticks are perfectly adapted for piercing human skin. They have a special ‘proboscis’ with a long extension that has teeth. When it bites, the tick injects a lot of saliva into the wound, which hardens and helps the parasite stay attached to the body for a long time.

These blood-sucking parasites are a threat from March to October, but they are most active in May and June. This is precisely the time when walks in meadows and parks are most enjoyable.

Ticks are very fond of vegetation. While they are practically non-existent on beaches, in steppes or rocky areas, after a walk through tall grass, there is a high probability of finding a ‘surprise’. This is why May picnics in the countryside and trips to the forest are so dangerous. Gradually, the parasites find their hosts, and the risk of an unpleasant encounter decreases. But you need to remember about them until the end of the dangerous season.

Ixodes ricinus: The most common type of tick

There are tens of thousands of species of ticks in the world, but the most harmful to humans is the taiga tick (Ixodes ricinus). It is also known to many as the ‘encephalitic’ or ‘dog’ tick. Ixodid ticks carry many different diseases. For convenience, doctors divide them into three groups:

• Infections that are transmitted immediately after the bite: these include tick-borne encephalitis.
• Infections that take time to transmit, allowing for post-exposure prophylaxis: these include Lyme disease or borreliosis.
• Diseases for which there is no prevention: these are rickettsial diseases such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and others. Fortunately, they are rare.

Remember: it is important to act quickly if you are bitten by a tick. Learn how to remove ticks properly and always consult a doctor if you are unsure or if symptoms appear.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)is a serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

There is no specific treatment; therapy is symptomatic. The mortality rate is up to 1%, and long-term effects are possible in survivors: sensory/motor impairments and cognitive disorders.

TE is an endemic disease in Germany, prevalent in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and parts of Hesse, Lower Saxony, and other states. Statistics on cases of KE over the last three years:

• 2024:686 cases of KE, the second highest number since 2001. 99% of those affected were not vaccinated;
• 2023:approximately 475 cases;
• 2022:565 cases.

Men are affected more often than women (approximately twice as often). New risk areas emerge every year, requiring constant vigilance.

Symptoms and course of the disease

The virus enters the bloodstream immediately after the tick bite, but the first symptoms appear 1-2 weeks later.

The initial phase is similar to the flu: fever, muscle aches, headache, sometimes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. These symptoms may disappear after a week. However, some patients develop a second phase with signs of CNS involvement (severe headache, loss of sensation, seizures).

Since treatment for KE is only symptomatic, prevention plays a key role. An effective vaccination against KEis available in Germany and is strongly recommended for residents or frequent visitors to endemic areas, as well as for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Full immunity is usually achieved with three vaccinations. Revaccination is recommended after 3 years, then every 5 years. For people over 50-60 years of age, revaccination may be necessary every 3 years.

Lyme disease (borreliosis)

Lyme disease (borreliosis)is much more common than tick-borne encephalitis. Unlike viral TBE, this disease is caused by bacteria (borrelia) and can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, Lyme disease often develops slowly and unnoticed, affecting the musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. The longer a person goes without treatment, the more serious the health consequences can be, even leading to disabilityif diagnosed late.

In Germany, Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne infections. Tens of thousands of cases are reported every year.

Fortunately, this infection has its own ‘advantages’ that make it easier to control and prevent:

• Time of infection:To infect a person, the tick must remain on the body for some time. If the tick is removed within the first 24 hours, the risk of contracting Lyme disease is very low. However, it increases significantly after 36 hours of parasitism.
• post-exposure prophylaxis:timely administration of antibiotics after a tick bite can protect against the development of the disease in up to 90% of cases. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to assess the need for such prophylaxis;
• characteristic symptom:very often, affected people develop a characteristic symptom — ring-shaped erythema (migrating erythema). This is a red spot that gradually expands to form a ring. Thanks to this symptom, most cases of infection are detected at an early stage.

Carefully monitor the bite sitefor several weeks after removing the tick. The appearance of migratory erythema or any other unusual symptoms (flu-like symptoms, joint pain, neurological disorders) is a reason to seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment with antibiotics significantly increases the chances of a full recovery.

Rickettsial diseases

Anaplasmosisand ehrlichiosisare caused by bacteria that are similar in nature to intracellular parasites called rickettsiae. These diseases are widespread in the United States, but isolated cases have also been reported in Europe. Although these infections are less well known than Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis, it is important to be aware of them.

The incubation period for anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis is about two weeks. The disease can be asymptomatic or acute, resembling the flu with fever, headache, and muscle aches. Skin rashes are not typical for anaplasmosis, but they may occur with ehrlichiosis.

These infections can cause serious complications, sometimes even leading to death, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. The risk group includes:

• HIV-infected individuals;
• people undergoing steroid hormone treatment or chemotherapy;
• patients who have had their spleen removed.

If you experience flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, especially if you are at risk or have recently visited regions where these infections are more common, you should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important to prevent serious complications.

What to do if you are bitten by a tick?

First of all, the tick must be removed. However, this is not as easy as it seems. If you simply pull the tick out, its head may remain in the wound and continue to release viruses or bacteria. This can also lead to suppuration of the bite site or the formation of a granuloma.

How to remove a tick yourself

It is best to consult a doctor for proper removal of a tick, but you can also do it yourself. The main thing is to follow a few rules:

• grab the parasiteas close to the proboscis as possible with tweezers with thin tips or a special tool — a tick remover;
• gently (without sudden movements!) pull, rotating it around its axis (in any direction), as if ‘unscrewing’ or rocking it. Avoid squeezing the tick's body so as not to squeeze the contents into the wound;
• if the head with the proboscis remains in the wound, be sure to remove it (for example, with a disinfected/sterile needle, as you would a splinter);
• treat the bitewith any antiseptic (alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide).

Some people remove ticks with a loop of thread or fingers wrapped in gauze, but it is much more convenient and safer to use special tools, such as theSanity Tick Out tick removal device.

Sanity Tick Out Tick Remover

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What NOT to do if you find a tick

When you find a tick, it is extremely important to know not only how to remove it correctly, but also what you should definitely not doin order to avoid increasing the risk of infection or complications:

• Do not squeeze it:crushing the tick can cause its contents (including viruses and bacteria) to be released directly into your wound, which will significantly increase the risk of infection.
• Do not pull it out abruptly:abruptly pulling out a tick will most likely result in its head or mouthparts remaining in the skin. This can cause inflammation, suppuration or further release of pathogens;
• Do not pour oil on it, wipe it with alcohol, sprinkle it with salt or cauterise it:these folk methods are ineffective and dangerous. They can provoke a defensive reaction in the tick, causing it to release more saliva (and with it, potential pathogens) into the wound. In addition, cauterisation can damage the skin and make removal more difficult.
• Do not take antiviral drugs on your own:antiviral drugs are ineffective against bacterial infections (such as Lyme disease) and are not an emergency treatment for tick-borne encephalitis. Any medication should only be prescribed by a doctor after assessing the situation.

In the past, doctors often advised taking the tick to a laboratory for analysis. However, these recommendations are now a thing of the past, and here's why:

• An infected tick does not always infect humans.Even if a tick is a carrier of pathogens, this does not guarantee transmission of the infection.
• An infected person does not always develop the disease.The body's immune system often successfully fights off the infection, preventing the development of the disease.
• Treatment effectiveness:even if Lyme disease (borreliosis) develops, it is highly treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early.
• False negative results:there have been cases of Lyme disease developing even when laboratory tests on ticks were negative. In other words, a ‘healthy’ tick does not guarantee that there is no risk.

Many modern doctors now advise simply burning the tickafter removal to ensure that it is completely destroyed.

How can you protect yourself and others from ticks and insects?

It is always better to protect yourself from ticks in advance than to think about what to do with a parasite that has already attached itself. Simple but effective recommendations remain relevant:

• Avoid dense vegetation:try not to walk in areas with dense vegetation, especially in bushes and tall grass, where ticks lie in wait for their ‘hosts.’
• Dress appropriately:when in the forest, park or meadow, choose light-coloured clothing that makes ticks easier to spot. Tuck your trousers into your socks and be sure to cover your head with a cap or hat;
• check yourself regularly:after a walk, be sure to check yourself and each other (if you are not alone) thoroughly for ticks. Do this as soon as possible;
• use repellents:use special products that repel blood-sucking parasites.

Repellents: your barrier against ticks

Repellentsare products that repel blood-sucking parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes, midges and gnats. They can be applied to the skin, hair, clothing and even impregnated into tents. They most often contain the active ingredient DEET (diethyltoluamide). The higher the DEET content in the repellent, the longer its protective properties last and the more effective it is.

These products are available in various forms:

• aerosol sprays (Autan,Orphea,Viva Pharma);
• creams;
• lotions (Orphea,ZigZag,Autan);
• bracelets (Los Mosquitos,Henan Kangdi Medical,Business Partner).

When choosing a repellent, it is extremely important to carefully read the information on the packaging and make sure which blood-sucking parasites it protects against. The fact is that most repellents are effective against mosquitoes and midges, but not all of them provide reliable protection against ticks.

Therefore, if your goal is to protect yourself from ticks, look for products that clearly state their effectiveness against ticks on the label. These include:

• Sana mosquito and tick spray;
• Autan mosquito and tick lotion;
• Tantarino repellent spray.

Lotion against head lice, 100 ml, Autan

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Spray against mosquitoes and ticks, 100 ml, Sana

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£4.60

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Tantarino Repellent Spray Against Cockroaches and Mites 100ml x 1 piece Adya Green

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£7.60

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Tick and mosquito repellents for children

Children's insect repellents are less aggressive, but in some cases they are applied to clothing rather than the skin. One of the most popular tick repellents isKlinodiol spray. The product is suitable for children aged 6 months and older and can be applied directly to the skin.

Klinodiol repellent spray for children, 100 ml, Klintensiv

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£4.60

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However, most children's repellents are designed to protect against mosquitoes and midges only. Therefore, if your child is going on a trip to the forest, you should carefully read the ingredients of the product.

Natural repellents based on essential oils are also quite popular for children. For example,Mommy Care roller applicator. The product contains olive, rosemary, lavender and other oils.

Anti-tantrum roll-on for babies and children, 70 ml, Mommy Care

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You can also use regular essential oils to protect against mosquitoes — insects dislike their strong smell. The following oils have a repellent effect:

• Sabio lavender essential oil;
• Sabio peppermint essential oil;
• Herbavit citronella essential oil;
• Mayam rosemary essential oil.

Citronella essential oil, 10 ml, Herbavit

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100% pure essential oil Lavender, 10 ml, Sabio

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£4.40

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Peppermint pure essential oil, 10ml, Sabio

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£4.10

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Rosemary essential oil (M - 1232), 10 ml, Mayam

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£5

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Prevention of tick-borne infections

Unfortunately, repellents alone do not always protect against tick bites. It is therefore extremely important to be aware of other preventive measures that can prevent serious diseases.

Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis

The only reliable method of preventing tick-borne encephalitis is vaccination.In Germany, where TBE is endemic, vaccination is strongly recommended for everyone who lives in risk areas or spends a lot of time outdoors.

Vaccination usually involves a series of injections that build up lasting immunity. A booster shot is required every 3-5 years, depending on age and type of vaccine. TBE vaccines are widely available in healthcare facilities and from many general practitioners.

Emergency prophylaxis:If a person is bitten by a tick in an endemic region and has not been previously vaccinated, emergency prophylaxis with human immunoglobulin against TBE may be considered. However, its effectiveness remains a subject of debate among experts.

Prevention of Lyme disease (borreliosis)

Unlike KE, there is post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxisto prevent Lyme disease. Such prophylaxis may be recommended by a doctor in the following cases:

• at least 72 hours(three days) have passed since the tick bite;
• the tick was removed no more than 3 days ago;
• it is known that Borrelia bacteria are found in 20% or more of ticks in the region (as confirmed by local statistics);
• there are no contraindications to taking the prescribed antibiotics.

It is important to remember that the decision on post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis is made only by a doctor, based on an assessment of the risks and individual characteristics of the patient.

Therefore, for comprehensive protection against tick-borne infections, it is recommended to combine general precautions (protective clothing, repellents, body inspection) with more specific methods: vaccination against tick-borne encephalitisand, if necessary, post-exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics against Lyme diseaseafter consulting a doctor.

Please note: Any antibiotic can only be purchased with a valid prescription from a doctor. In addition, antibiotics can only be purchased from a licensed pharmacy.

For post-exposure prophylaxis of Lyme disease(borreliosis) after a tick bite, doxycyclineis most commonly used in Germany. It is prescribed as a single dose:

• Adults:200 mg.
• Children over 8 years of age:4 mg/1 kg body weight, but not more than 200 mg.

Although alternative antibacterial drugs are mentioned in medical literature, doxycyclineis listed as the first-line drug in current guidelines for the prevention of Lyme disease. It is important to remember that the decision on such prevention is made by a doctor after assessing all the risks and indications.

If Lyme disease has already developed and the diagnosis has been confirmed, other antibiotics are used for treatment, the choice of which depends on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. These include:

• amoxicillin;
• ceftriaxone;
• doxycycline;
• benzylpenicillin sodium salt;
• cefuroxime.

The choice of a specific antibiotic, its dosage and the duration of treatment are determined only by a doctor. Early treatment significantly increases the chances of a full recovery and prevents the development of late complications.

You can compare the prices of popular repellents and medicines, read the instructions and choose the right product at the best price on the pharmacy delivery service website Liki24.co.uk. We take orders for the necessary products around the clock and offer various delivery options:

• delivery to your address by postal service.

The website always has various promotions and discounts so you can purchase medicines, protective equipment and other products at the best prices, and address delivery makes it easy to receive them.