Lyme disease is a major concern here in the US, especially in the summertime. If you’ve been out gallivanting in nature, it’s encouraged that you diligently scour your body for ticks that may have latched on while you were in the great outdoors. This is because blacklegged ticks living in many parts of the US can transmit Lyme disease if they’ve been attached to you for 24 hours or more. If you find a tick on you, however, you could take medication as a prophylactic measure in an attempt to prevent the development of Lyme in your body. But will it work in preventing the disease?
The CDC says that the benefits of taking the appropriate dose of the antibiotic doxycycline could outweigh its risks if all of the following criteria are met:
However, everyone’s situation is different, and it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you get bitten by a tick to see what your best options are.
