Originally Posted by kodokan (Post 11278188)

Isn't there a vaccine here? There were ticks when we lived in Switzerland, not in our bit over by Lake Geneva, but over the other side, near Germany. Everyone on my expat forum there appears to have got vaccinated shortly after arrival as part of their 'moving over' checklist. Or is this a different variety of Lyme?

Originally Posted by kodokan (Post 11278188)

Isn't there a vaccine here? There were ticks when we lived in Switzerland, not in our bit over by Lake Geneva, but over the other side, near Germany. Everyone on my expat forum there appears to have got vaccinated shortly after arrival as part of their 'moving over' checklist. Or is this a different variety of Lyme?

Originally Posted by Nutmegger (Post 11278202)

I took part in a pilot program about a decade ago, but it disappeared without trace. So now there is a vaccine for dogs, but not people!

Originally Posted by steveq (Post 11278191)

WHEN were they vaccinated? There was a vaccine in the usa which was withdrawn. Is it still available in Europe ?

Originally Posted by holly_1948 (Post 11278219)

A tip, if you are bitten by a tick it is better, if you can, not to rip it off forcibly but to burn it with the end of a lit cigarette. So it retracts its jaws and can be removed with minimal force.

Originally Posted by holly_1948 (Post 11278219)

A tip, if you are bitten by a tick it is better, if you can, not to rip it off forcibly but to burn it with the end of a lit cigarette. So it retracts its jaws and can be removed with minimal force.

Originally Posted by holly_1948 (Post 11278219)

A tip, if you are bitten by a tick it is better, if you can, not to rip it off forcibly but to burn it with the end of a lit cigarette. So it retracts its jaws and can be removed with minimal force.

Originally Posted by holly_1948 (Post 11278219)

A tip, if you are bitten by a tick it is better, if you can, not to rip it off forcibly but to burn it with the end of a lit cigarette. So it retracts its jaws and can be removed with minimal force.

Originally Posted by robin1234 (Post 11278237)

Where the heck are you supposed to get a cigarette from? And light it??

Originally Posted by WEBlue (Post 11278271)

then ran to put it into a plastic Tupperware container (screeching a bit all the while). :blink: :lol:

Originally Posted by WEBlue (Post 11278271)

But won't burning it like this hurt/anger it? I've heard it's bad to do either, as that's when the tick may either clamp down harder and/or vomit up their poison?

I discovered it in the bath, where it floated a bit off my skin (attached by the head of course). It was very tiny, like an immature black sesame seed. I wrapped my fingers in loo tissue & took two careful tugs. I got the whole thing out, then ran to put it into a plastic Tupperware container (screeching a bit all the while). :blink: :lol:


LOL, yes, we wouldn't have such a thing at hand either. I assume Holly or a family member is a smoker. :D

Originally Posted by holly_1948 (Post 11278219)

A tip, if you are bitten by a tick it is better, if you can, not to rip it off forcibly but to burn it with the end of a lit cigarette. So it retracts its jaws and can be removed with minimal force.

Originally Posted by Beaverstate (Post 11278501)

tick removal WebMD http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/ho...-tick-overview

Originally Posted by steveq (Post 11278213)

Apparently, some people have been able to persuade their vets to administer the vaccine. How the hell that works beats me.

Originally Posted by robin1234 (Post 11278337)

Yes, but forget the tissue. Simply nip the creature gently with your finger nails and pull it off. Honestly I've done it maybe a hundred times, no problem, the animal is still alive and unharmed as far as I can tell (then I kill it.)