UKHSA urges public to wear two types of clothes in latest summer alert

The UKHSA is urging people to stay safe and to watch out for an almost invisible threat that could result in a hospital visit this summer. Taking precautions could avoid an encounter with a blood-sucking bug that may cause people to suffer from flu-like symptoms that could last for weeks.

Ticks are tiny creatures commonly found in woodlands, grassy areas, and moorlands. They thrive in these habitats because they attract the most targets as they wait, ready to strike and feast.

The bugs are known to spread Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that is transmitted when they sink their teeth into your skin to feed on blood, which leads to flu-like symptoms. However, not all ticks carry the disease. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early, the NHS claims, but if it goes unnoticed, the problems often get worse, with pain in joints, nerve problems and memory issues.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the best ways to stay safe and protected from these parasites. In a post on X, the government body gave a range of advice, claiming it's "simple actions" that are best when trying to prevent tick bites.

Regular checks are always the best line of defence when trying to catch a tick in the act. Brush off any you spot immediately whilst outside. Make one more check when you get home too, focus on exposed skin as well as clothing that these bugs might cling onto as well. It's also important to check over children and pets who cannot look after themselves.

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than seeking a cure. The UKHSA suggests: "Use a repellent that prevents ticks." It also encourages people to consider wearing two types of clothing when spending time in the outdoors. "You can also wear long sleeves and long trousers to reduce direct skin contact," it added.

It also said that people should, where possible, "stick to clearly defined paths". People and pets should also make an effort to avoid brushing against plants where ticks might be present and hiding in plain sight.

Tick bites aren't always painful, so it's possible you won't notice the bite at first. This is because ticks have a form of anaesthetic within their saliva that is injected into their feeding site as they bite, numbing the area to avoid detection for as long as possible.

The NHS has a guide (and a video) that explains the best and safest way to remove a tick that's feasting on you. Never yank the insect out with your fingers, as this can cause the tick's head to stay behind and lodge in the skin, leading to the risk of infection. Instead, do this:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. When you have removed it, dispose of it.
4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

The chance of being ill is fairly low as not all ticks in England carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The NHS advises that people keep a close eye on the bite area and monitor for signs of symptoms of the condition - namely the signature 'bullseye' rash that can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks.

If a GP thinks you might have Lyme disease, they'll prescribe a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics you're given will depend on your symptoms, but you may need to take them for up to 28 days.

It's important to finish the course, even if you start to feel better. If you have severe symptoms, you may be referred to a specialist in the hospital so antibiotics can be given directly into a vein.

A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years. These symptoms are often compared to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.