Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Disorders

by Vanderhoof-Forschner, Karen; Burgdorfer, Willy

• ISBN13: 9780471407935
• ISBN10: 0471407933
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-03-31
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Keep your family safe from tick-borne infectionsWith millions around the world infected-and millions more at risk-Lyme and other tick-related disorders are today's fastest-growing infectious diseases. And while there has been much progress in combating these illnesses, we are a long way from eliminating them. Early treatment is crucial-and there's no better way to get informed and be prepared to deal with these diseases than to read this book.This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know to protect yourself and your family from the pain of Lyme, including vital information about the new Lyme disease vaccines. Written by Lyme disease pioneer Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner-cofounder of the Lyme Disease Foundation and a Lyme sufferer herself-this updated and expanded edition provides the latest on the multiple diseases that can be transmitted in a single tick bite and the symptoms that indicate you've been infected. In easy-to-understand language, the author discusses the often controversial issues of diagnosis and treatment of Lyme while reviewing the other tick-borne diseases in North America, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, the emerging ehrlichioses, and some that are considered potential biowarfare agents. She offers expert advice on: Protecting yourself from disease-carrying ticks-and what to do if you find one on your skin Obtaining the best medical treatment Accessing online information on vaccines, repellents, and the latest research Finding self-help and support organizations, state medical complaint boards, products, and related services Starting a school or business prevention program

Author Biography

KAREN VANDERHOOF-FORSCHNER, BS, MBA, CPCU, CLU, is the Chair of the board of directors of the Lyme Disease Foundation. She has appeared on television numerous times and has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek, among other prominent publications. She has received many awards for her activities. Also she was an associate on the Council of Public Representatives for the National Institute of Health.

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Preface: My Struggle with Lyme Disease.

Acknowledgments.

A Public Health Threat Emerges.

Understanding Ticks and the Infections They Spread.

The History of Lyme Disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease.

The Quest for a Diagnosis.

The Treatment of Lyme Disease.

Other Tick-Borne Disorders.

How to Remove a Tick.

Personal Protection for You and Your Family.

Managing Your Property.

The Promise of Vaccines.

The Risks to Your Animals.

Appendix I: Time Line: The History of Lyme Disease.

Appendix II: Official CDC Disease Definitions.

Appendix III: Resources of the Lyme Disease Foundation.

Appendix IV: Tick Bytes in Cyberspace.

Appendix V: School Trip Letter.

Appendix VI: Personalized Medical Log.

Bibliography.

Index.