The Empire State Lyme Disease Association urges everyone to be on guard throughout the year. Ticks may be active if the temperature is warm, even in the middle of the winter. The ticks can even become more active in the cooler and damper weather, and can be found in leaves, on trees, and in tall grasses or other leafy areas. ESLDA recommends using caution when moving firewood, walking in the woods or fields, and be especially vigilant in checking children who have been playing outdoors. 

The use of a commercial tick repellent, wearing light colored clothing, and avoiding leafy or tall grassy areas is recommended for out-door activities. Even if pets are vaccinated, they can bring ticks into the house. Check yourself, check your family members, and check your pets for ticks. SEE PREVENTION

Tick-borne diseases, rampant in New York, can be highly complex, and difficult to diagnose and treat. For instance, blood tests for Lyme can return false negative results, leading doctors and patients down long, expensive, and incorrect diagnostic paths. See Testing is inaccurate 

We need more doctors to have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases, in all stages and especially advanced stages. New York has a number of outstanding doctors who are helping many patients afflicted with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. If diagnosed and treated early, patients can recover.  If left undiagnosed, or improperly or insufficiently treated, Lyme and tick-borne diseases might turn into life-long debilitation. They can strike every one of the body's systems: digestive, circulatory, psychiatric, cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, etc.    

Tick-borne diseases are often misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, psychiatric and many other disorders. Many people suffer with an "unknown disease" for years before they discover that they are victims of tick-borne disease.   Because there is much conflicting information surrounding Lyme and tick-borne diseases, the Empire State Lyme Disease Association urges everyone to become familiar with prevention, symptoms, the kinds of medical help available, and ongoing support structures. Online information can be found here at www.EmpireStateLymeDiseaseAssociation.org 

Overview article "Spring Is Here, Need To Be Aware Of Ticks" by Chris Fisk