05/06/2026
🛑 Just found a tick? Don’t panic, but DO take action. 🛑
While it's important to prevent tick bites, knowing what to do after a bite is crucial for reducing your risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
The CDC provides this helpful flowchart that healthcare providers use to determine if single-dose doxycycline (a form of PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis) is appropriate after an Ixodes (blacklegged) tick bite.
This chart guides you through critical questions like:
1️⃣ Is Lyme disease common where you live or where you were bitten?
2️⃣ Was the tick removed within the last 72 hours? (The "72-hour window" is key!)
3️⃣ Was the tick engorged (full of blood), or flat?
4️⃣ Can you identify the tick as a blacklegged tick (deer tick)?
Remember, this is a tool for understanding the risk and treatment options. If you are bitten:
✔️ Remove the tick carefully with tweezers.
✔️ Save the tick (put it in a bag) to show your doctor.
✔️ Contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss your options.
Tick season is here. Stay vigilant!
For complete information, always consult your doctor. You can find more CDC resources on tick safety here: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks
