What facts do I need to know about tick bites?

Each month, a University of Virginia Health System geriatrician discusses common health questions and challenges faced by seniors. This month's topic: Tick bites.

Q. Where do ticks live?

A. There are different types of ticks, and each state has ticks. Ticks live in wooded and grassy areas. They feed on the blood of many types of animals and bite humans of all ages.

Q. Why should I care about ticks and tick bites?

A. This year is predicted to be a "heavy tick year," and ticks can transmit multiple serious infections. Many of these can be treated effectively if treated early. If you have a tick bite and a fever, new rash or associated flu-like illness, then notify your doctor right away.

Q. When should I check for ticks?

A. You should do a tick check at least daily if you have risk of exposure from being outside. Do a complete body check and remove any ticks that are found as soon as possible after exposure. Take a shower after possible tick exposure, ideally within two hours.

Q. Which areas of the body do ticks especially like?

A. Ticks can bite and attach anywhere on the body. They especially like to "hide," so make sure to check these areas: in and around the hair, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, between the legs and behind your knees.

Q. I am a caretaker for someone who only spends time outside in his own yard. Is that person at risk for tick bites?

A. Ticks don't just live in the forest. In and around the Charlottesville area, we are fortunate to have many grassy and wooded areas and gardens close by with a variety of wildlife. Because of that, there is risk for tick exposure in most yards, gardens and grassy areas.

Q. What do I do if I find a tick on me or someone in my family?

A. If you see a tick, remove it immediately using tweezers. Do not put anything on or near the tick. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull up gently.

Q. How do I prevent getting tick bites?

A. The best way is to combine multiple approaches. When you are outside anywhere near tall grass or wildlife, wear long pants and long socks so that you can tuck your pants into the socks. Use tick repellent with 0.5 percent permethrin on your shoes, clothing and any fabrics, like tents or chairs. The permethrin is effective through a few wash cycles. You also can use repellents with at least 20 percent DEET on your skin.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that when you come inside, you should put your clothes into a hot dryer for 10 to 15 minutes to kill any ticks on the clothes. You can get more information from the CDC website (cdc.gov/ticks/).

To schedule an appointment with a UVa geriatrician, call (434) 964-1333.

Next month's topic: Preventing falls.

Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone is a geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at University of Virginia Health System.