I’m talking about ticks (the sort that burrow under your skin and carry Lymes Disease). One managed to grab into the sous chef. Blind person useless at picking out the carcase remains so he resorted to excellent neighbour but tiny bit remained. Local pharmacist recommended medical advice as antibiotics might be needed.
Phone call to 111 brought referral to local Gosport War Memorial Minor Injuries. Walked in and waited. Nurse advised keeping the wound clean and dry, bull’s eye swelling might develop anywhere on the body within 6-10 days (red centre, white ring, red ring, longer term might develop Lyme’s symptoms in about 6 weeks or so and would need antibiotics that make skin blister if exposed to sun!). She confirmed that there are lots of ticks around at the moment in gardens and other locations.
Wound more painful and swollen overnight but e-consult to local GP timed out. Further 111 call and referral to A&E. Managed to get there and checked in, basic health assessment but then referred to Emergency Care – other end of the building! More assessments, more waiting, one doctor came to her decision but needed another to double-check. At last, someone qualified to use a magnifying glass and check! Thankfully all clear but still waiting to see if that bull’s eye appears …