#cookie doves

@cookiedove is running a ‘draw to adopt’ for Lyme Disease month over on Deviantart, and I thought it’d give it a shot. ^^

Here’s the details for the event if you want to enter!

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What is Lyme Disease?

"Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks, and on the West Coast, black-legged ticks. These tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. Although people may think of Lyme as an East Coast disease, it is found throughout the United States, as well as in more than sixty other countries.

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete—a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme is called “The Great Imitator,” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart.

Patients with Lyme are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychiatric illnesses, including depression. Misdiagnosis with these other diseases may delay the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked. Most people get Lyme from the bite of the nymphal, or immature, form of the tick. Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. Because they are so tiny and their bite is painless, many people do not even realize they have been bitten.

Once a tick has attached, if undisturbed it may feed for several days. The longer it stays attached, the more likely it will transmit the Lyme and other pathogens into your bloodstream." (source)

What does it feel like to have Lyme Disease?

"Lyme Disease causes a tremendous amount of pain and weakness. When the disease turns chronic due to lack of [or inefficient] treatment the results are devastating. Lyme patients are ridiculed, treated like hypochondriacs and often misdiagnosed for years. During this time, the untreated bacteria spreads through the body, tissues, brain, organs, joints, and into bone marrow. Even organs can be affected, including the heart, kidney, lungs, bladder, bowel, thyroid, liver, muscles and nerves. Pain and muscle weakness leaves one crippled, unable to do for themselves, unable to work and financially destroyed, struggling to survive. If you can find treatment it is expensive and long term and usually not nearby.” (anonymous source)

How to prevent it?

Know where to expect ticks!

Use a repellent with DEET (on skin or clothing) or permethrin.

Check for ticks after spending time outdoors!

Shower after spending time outdoors!

Learn how to safely remove a tick

Be alert for fever or rash, specifically the tell tale Lyme bullseye rash.

Protect your pets! They are not immune to Lyme, and their fur attracts ticks which means they can easily carry disease-ridden ticks into your home.

(source)

More Resources: