Ugh, Those Pesky Bug Bites! | AFC Urgent Care of East Tennessee

Warmer days are here! And who doesn’t love the idea of spending their summer days outside?

But if you’ve lived in Tennessee for long, you know about the pesky bugs that often head out to play this time of year. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care TN wants to share tips on protecting yourself from bug bites this season.

Mosquitos and Ticks and Bugs—Oh My!

Each year, it seems like we hear about more and more diseases transmitted through bug bites. In fact, approximately nine new germs spread by mosquitos and ticks were discovered in the last 13 years.

The growing list of diseases that come from mosquito or tick bites include:

• Zika
• West Nile
• Lyme
• Chikungunya

Fortunately, there are ways that you can help protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites this season—and reduce your risk of suffering from the aforementioned diseases.

Protect Yourself

First, you want to make sure you are applying insect repellent when headed outdoors. The Environmental Protection Agency offers a tool to help you choose the right repellent for your specific needs.

Second, if you’re headed into a woodsy area or near a water source, consider wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants to help protect your skin from bug bites. Wearing these clothes will also help to protect your skin from the sun’s strong UV rays, too!

Third, when you return indoors after time spent outside, check yourself, your little ones and your pets for ticks. If you spot one, follow the steps for safe removal.

Did you recently suffer a bug bite that isn’t getting any better? Visit one of our AFC Urgent Care TN locations today so we can get you on the path to healing.