Page 142 - Participant Manual

The person should be monitored for several days for signs and symptoms of infection as a result of the tick
exposure. Common signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses include rashes, fever, muscle and joint aches
and pains, and fatigue.

Box 7-7. Lowering the Risk for Tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks are found in wooded, brushy areas; in tall grass; and in leaf
litter on the ground. When engaging in activities in environments
where ticks are likely to be, lower your risk for picking up a tick
by using the following strategies:

■ Limit the amount of exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts
and long pants. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant
legs into your socks or boots.

■ Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks on
your clothing.

■ Stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.
■ Conduct a full-body check for ticks after being outdoors.
Check the scalp, under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the navel, around the waist, behind the
knees and between the legs. If you are outdoors for an extended period of time, check several times
throughout the day.

■ Consider using an insect repellent if you will be in a grassy or wooded area for a long period of time
or if you know that the tick population in the area is high. Use repellents sparingly. One application will
last 4 to 8 hours. Heavier or more frequent applications do not increase effectiveness.

m DEET is the active ingredient in many insect repellents. The amount of DEET contained in the
product can range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. The more DEET that a product
contains, the longer it will provide protection. Products with 30 percent DEET are as safe as
products with 10 percent DEET when used properly.

■ Apply products that contain DEET only once a day, or according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.

■ Do not use DEET on infants younger than 2 months.

■ Do not use a product that combines a DEET-containing insect repellent with sunscreen.
Sunscreens wash off and need to be reapplied often. DEET does not wash off with water.
Repeating applications may increase absorption of DEET through the skin, possibly leading to
toxicity.

m To apply repellent to your face, first spray it on your hands and then apply it from your hands to
your face. Avoid sensitive areas such as the lips and eyes.

m Never put repellents on children’s hands. They may put them in their eyes or mouth.
m Never use repellents on an open wound or irritated skin. © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 134 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 135 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual