Colorado Tick Fever Treatment And Prevention

Colorado tick fever (CTF) is a viral infection individuals contract after being bitten by an infected tick. Infection usually occurs in the western United States and western Canada, particularly within four to ten thousand feet above sea level. The majority of infections occur during months when ticks are active. While there aren't vaccines to prevent Colorado tick fever or medications developed to treat it, the best prevention method is reducing the risk of bites. Wear long sleeves when you go out, use insect spray, avoid areas with tall grass, and thoroughly check yourself for ticks after you spend time outdoors. Learn more about how to prevent and treat Colorado tick fever now.

Intravenous Fluids

Right now, there are no medications to treat Colorado tick fever. Like many other viruses, it just needs to run its course through the body. However, if a person is experiencing severe illness due to Colorado tick fever, they should be hospitalized. The treatment tends to include medications that reduce fever and pain, along with intravenous fluids. Most commonly, symptoms present with a fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and chills. Sometimes, it also presents with a skin rash, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, or a sore throat. There are rare cases in which more serious illnesses develop and affect an individual's central nervous system. Symptoms of this include confusion and a stiff neck. When severe illness develops, it's important to seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. It's important to note, however, that it's rare for Colorado tick fever to cause life-threatening sickness or death.

No Donating Blood Or Bone Marrow

Not donating blood or bone marrow is a preventative strategy regarding Colorado tick fever. In general, individuals with viruses or health concerns should not donate blood, as this can pass the infection onto others. Even after the Colorado tick fever infection clears up, the individual in question should still avoid donating bone marrow or blood for at least six months. It's possible for the virus to stay within the red blood cells even after symptoms have subsided, which means it can be passed to others through a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion. As a general rule, it's better to avoid donating blood if you have health concerns, rather than risking making another person sicker. If you think you may have had Colorado tick fever within the last six months, but aren't sure, you still shouldn't donate blood just yet.

Cool Compresses

Viral infections, like Colorado tick fever, are different from bacterial infections. With a bacterial infection, the sickness is being caused by a bacteria, which can be combated with antibiotics. With a viral infection, the virus spreads throughout the body and attacks cells in a way antibiotics can't fight. You'll likely experience similar symptoms to a bacterial infection, including a fever and chills. Fever tends to cause discomfort, as does the shivering. The fever occurs due to your immune system's attempts to fight off the virus. You can use cool compresses to alleviate some of the discomfort. If you're experiencing chills along with the fever, try using a comfortably warm compress instead. Water at about seventy degrees will cool the body without making you feel chillier than you already do.

Get Lots Of Rest

When dealing with Colorado tick fever, the kindest thing you can do for your body is to make sure to get lots of rest. Your immune system is using a great deal of energy to fight against the virus, so you'll feel exhausted. Pushing yourself too much will prolong your recovery, and it could also increase your risk of complications from the disease. If you can, take a few days off work to let yourself recover from the infection. Treat Colorado tick fever like you'd treat a particularly stubborn cold or flu. You just need to wait it out, rest, and trust your immune system can handle the everything else.

Stay Hydrated

Another way to take care of yourself is to make sure to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids while you're recovering from the illness. It's easy to become dehydrated when your body is fighting off any sickness, but this has a negative impact on your recovery. Many individuals forget to drink water during the day. If you're feeling sick, consider replacing your morning cup of coffee or afternoon soda with a glass of water. It'll help you feel more awake and ready to deal with your body. Individuals should consume an average of eight cups of water per day to maintain their kidney function and overall health.