My wife just removed an embedded tick on our 6 year old son. We believe it's been there at least 2 days. Should the child be given some kind of antibiotics, even a single dose, to prevent LD? I've heard you can't give Doxy to kids...so what's the antibiotic of choice?
As a late-stage Lymie, I'm very concerned and paranoid. Who would have thought a ticks would be active in late-March in Lancaster PA?!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Personally, I would. My kids have all had ticks prior to my diagnosis and only one has had Lyme, so don't get too paranoid .... taking precautions is not paranoia!
I would recommend talking to your LLMD.
I think they use amoxy or zith for kids ..... but don't rely on me for that info, maybe someone else can tell you for sure.
Posted by lymeladyinNY (Member # 10235) on :
I got Lymed 5 years ago on March 19 just a little south of you in Frederick, MD.
Yes, please get your child on prophylactic antibiotics ASAP. I believe amoxicillin would be good.
Don't take no for an answer from any duck. INSIST - this disease is too awful to play around with.
Good luck! - Lymelady
Posted by laura j (Member # 14257) on :
Get him some abx asap! I'm not sure but I think Zithromax covers more bugs than amoxicillan?
Posted by Beverly (Member # 1271) on :
Ditto! I would get him on abx too.
My son and I were both bit in very early April, 2001. My husband was bit in February..it was a warm time tho.
Now there seems to be less ticks on our property after we have been treating with sevin, but I wish I didn't have to worry about it anymore. I hate ticks.
Keep us posted.
Posted by ICEiam (Member # 7519) on :
I would beg borrow or steal antibiotics and get that child on them ASAP!! DO not take any chances a few weeks or more of antibiotics won't hurt your child, it is better than the anternative. Ticks don't hibernate, as far as I know they are active 24/7.
Our 6 year old started treatment when she was 3, she was started on Zithromax then switched to Amoxicillin.
I bet you could even call Dr. J's office and they would tell you what to force your Pediatrician to put your child on and for how long.
OR, better yet, call them and then have your LLMD put your child on it.
Hope this helps,
Hugs,
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
Take him to your LLMD asap! My tick wasn't even attached and it
gave me Lyme and bart.
Posted by lymemommy (Member # 12495) on :
wxrock,
When my son tested positive for lyme at age 5, the abx choice was between amox and ceftin. He's allergic to amox, so he had to go on ceftin.
His llmd at that time felt that ceftin was more effective.
Zith was added eventually, due to worsening symptoms.
I would also advocate with either the pedi or the llmd for profilactic abx, although you may find your pedi resistant (ours is!!)
It's a lot easier to treat lyme now, as opposed to waiting for a em rash that may never come, or symptoms that may be so vague that you don't recognize them for lyme, assuming that your child is able to recognize the symptoms AND communicate them to you.
Best of luck.
kp
Posted by njlymemom (Member # 15088) on :
i have 3 with lyme, and amox has worked the best for all three daughters. however, what really works is the correct level of the amox - blood level tests were done and dosage increased until desired level was reached. my youngest was in so much pain she could not walk - when the amox level reached the golden # (although i can't remember the #) that is when she started to get better. knowing where we have been and the struggle to get our girls well - get the antibiotic. the symptoms in children can be so subtle at first - especially cognitive problems
Posted by tickbattler (Member # 14873) on :
If you saved the tick, I would send it to Igenex for testing. At least test for lyme, which is $60. For me, it's worth it to know whether there is a chance of transmission.