How many of you have heard of Lyme disease? Since we live in what is termed an endemic state it would be pretty hard to NOT know what it is. Unfortunately, Lyme disease is one of the fastest (if not the fastest) vector-borne infections in the United States today according to the CDC. Maybe someone you know has had Lyme disease? Or maybe it was you? Lyme disease is caused by a bite from a deer tick that is infected with the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorfer. Ticks are found in the woods, grass, forests, marshlands, and even at the seashore. Wild birds, animals as well as domesticated animals, and pets such as dogs, horses, and cows can carry ticks. Ticks may climb on humans from animals, leaves, grass, or low-lying brush. Ticks cannot jump or fly.
If you are bit and become infected, symptoms can develop in the first month. These may include but are not limited to bulls-eye rash, fatigue, pain or stiffness in muscles or joints, headache, chills and/or fever, or stiff neck. Lyme disease is sometimes difficult to diagnose due to symptoms that can vary greatly from person to person. There is a blood test for Lyme disease but if you develop the bulls-eye rash that too is considered a clinical diagnosis. Treatment is with an antibiotic.
How can Lyme disease be prevented? Wearing long-sleeved shirts tucked in to your pants and pants tucked into socks or boots is recommended if you are outdoors. Also, wearing a hat or light-colored clothing which may make it easier to detect any tick. Using insect repellent to exposed skin and clothes with at least 30% DEET is recommended. Treat your pets and check them after they have been outdoors. If you do have a tick on you, once you remove it be sure to wash your hands thoroughly as well as the bite site with soap and water. Put an antiseptic such as rubbing alcohol on the area where you were bitten.
Call me here at the clinic (920-779-7953) or your primary care provider if you have concerns about a tick bite or for an appointment for further evaluation.
This brings me to our question of the week: “Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?”
You might be surprised to know that there was indeed a vaccine for Lyme disease but it was discontinued in 2002. The vaccine LYMErix was licensed in the 1990’s. Once the series was completed the effectiveness at preventing Lyme disease was between 76-92%. Due to decreased demand, the company stopped producing it and it was discontinued in 2002.
Currently, a new vaccine for Lyme disease is underway. It is called VLA-15 and it is being developed by Valneva, a French pharmaceutical company, and Pfizer. Currently, it is the only Lyme disease vaccine candidate in clinical development today. This vaccine will likely provide seasonal protection against Lyme disease that would consist of a single shot at the beginning of tick season. Like all vaccines in the U.S., it will need to be approved for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.
Please submit your questions via the health question form.
DID YOU KNOW….? If you have labs ordered by your primary care provider or specialist you can get them done at the HASD clinic AT ANY TIME? Most of the time these labs do not have to be done on the same day as your appointment. They can usually be done ahead of time so your provider has them the day of your office visit. If they are time-sensitive labs I can often help you with that too! Please remember to schedule your labs here at the HASD clinic as it is a WONDERFUL way to utilize your health and wellness clinic!!
If you take the district's insurance and have a health concern, feel free to schedule an appointment with me to discuss – the link to the schedule is below! Online scheduling is now available again but feel free to continue to call for an appointment as well!
Both the shingles and tetanus vaccines are available here at the clinic. Other vaccines may be available upon request.
AS A REMINDER PLEASE NOTE:
Per the CDC guidelines with receiving the COVID vaccine, there should be a minimum interval of 14 days before or after administration with any other vaccines. If you have any further questions please call your PCP office or you may call me here at the HASD clinic at 920-779-7953
Erica Stoeger, APNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
HASD Health and Wellness Center
106 N. Olk Street
Hortonville, WI 54944
920-779-7953
The clinic space open to all employees who take the district's insurance along with their spouses and dependents ages 2-26. Hours for the clinic are:
Mondays 7:30am-3:00pm
Tuesdays: 10:00am-5:30pm
Fridays 7:30am-10:30am
Schedule an appointment here, my.thedacare.org
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