You in all probability bear in mind to slather on sunscreen and seize a hat and sun shades earlier than heading out the door in your run. However except you’re deep in mosquito territory, there’s a superb probability you’re skipping the bug spray, and also you’re making a critical mistake. You might be risking a tick chew, and the fallout will be way more critical than simply an itchy spot. Right here’s what you could know to remain protected.
The place do ticks stay?
Tick exercise is rising throughout a lot of Canada, particularly in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, with rising concern in components of Manitoba and B.C. Even in areas the place Lyme illness isn’t but endemic, runners are inspired to take precautions as tick ranges proceed to increase. Hotter winters and wetter springs have allowed tick populations, particularly blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), to increase past their traditional hotspots. These ticks thrive in shaded, damp zones typically discovered alongside forested or overgrown trails—precisely the place runners like to log miles.
Why ought to runners fear?
Within the spring and summer time, nymph ticks are lively. They’re concerning the dimension of a poppy seed and practically unimaginable to identify. By fall, the marginally bigger adults (roughly sesame seed-sized) take over. Each can carry and transmit Lyme illness. Lyme illness may cause flu-like signs at first, but when left untreated, it could possibly result in joint ache, neurological points and long-term fatigue—circumstances that may not solely derail coaching and racing plans, but in addition impression each side of your life. As a result of tick bites are painless and the bugs are so small, it’s straightforward to get bitten with out realizing it. An infection sometimes requires the tick to stay hooked up for at the very least 24 to 36 hours, which is why fast detection issues.
Security first
What you put on is essential. Gentle-coloured, moisture-wicking lengthy sleeves and pants make it simpler to identify ticks earlier than they latch on. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks or sneakers to dam straightforward entry factors. Closed-toe sneakers supply higher safety than sandals or uncovered ankles.
Earlier than heading out, apply an insect repellent authorized by Well being Canada—search for components like DEET (20–30 per cent) or Icaridin (also referred to as picaridin). Each are confirmed to repel ticks; DEET is broadly out there, whereas Icaridin is almost odourless and received’t harm artificial gear. Submit-run, take a sizzling bathe inside two hours to assist wash off any ticks that haven’t latched on, and do a full-body test, particularly across the scalp, ears, armpits, groin and behind the knees. Toss your garments right into a sizzling dryer for at the very least 10 minutes or wash and dry on excessive warmth to kill any lingering hitchhikers.
What to do should you get bitten
In the event you do discover a tick, don’t panic, however do act rapidly. Utilizing clear, fine-tipped tweezers, seize the tick as near your pores and skin as potential and pull it straight out, with regular stress. Keep away from twisting or squeezing, which may push micro organism into your bloodstream. If the tick’s mouth breaks off and stays in your pores and skin, attempt to take away it, but when it received’t come off simply, it’s higher to depart it and let the pores and skin heal by itself. After elimination, wash the chew space completely with cleaning soap and water or hand sanitizer. Place the tick in a sealed container (equivalent to a sandwich bag or hermetic container)—you possibly can convey it with you should you determine to test in with a physician. In line with Well being Canada, you must contact your well being care supplier should you really feel unwell after a chew or simply need reassurance that you simply’ve dealt with it correctly.
Your furry buddies
Your four-legged operating good friend in all probability loves the paths as a lot as you do, particularly the shaded, wooded sections the place ticks are most lively. Whereas canines can’t go Lyme illness on to people, they’re extremely inclined to tick bites and may develop critical signs, equivalent to fever, joint ache and fatigue if contaminated. Ticks also can latch onto their fur and hitchhike into your private home, the place they might finally discover their means onto you. To guard your pet—and your self—test your canine completely after each outing, and communicate to your vet about tick preventives, equivalent to oral medicines or topical therapies.
For extra data on preserving individuals (and pets) protected, go to the Well being Canada web site.