An NHS campaign that aims to help people deal with bug bites has released advice as Lyme disease cases rise across Scotland.
The Hello Summer campaign hopes to encourage people to be aware and cautious of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans through bites from infected ticks.
Symptoms include a circular rash around the infected bite, a high temperature, feeling hot and shivery, headaches, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, and loss of energy and can typically last for a few weeks.
Usually, symptoms appear one to four weeks after infection begins, but will sometimes appear up to three months after one is bitten.
Occasionally, people who are infected will still have symptoms such as tiredness, aches, and loss of energy years after their diagnosis which can have a severe impact on their quality of life.
To avoid tick bites and Lyme disease it is advised that you cover your skin while walking outdoors, tuck trousers into socks, use insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and skin, stay on clear paths where possible, and wear light-coloured clothing.
If you are bitten by any insect and experience a serious allergic reaction, call 999.
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