I Thought It Was Just a Flu After a Tick Bite—Weeks Later, My Family Was Planning My Funeral

These may include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms require immediate emergency medical evaluation.

Why Tick Bites Should Never Be Ignored

Most tick bites do not result in serious illness.

However, because ticks can carry several different diseases, experts recommend removing attached ticks promptly and monitoring for symptoms over the following days and weeks.

If fever, severe headache, unusual fatigue, confusion, or neurological symptoms develop after a tick bite—or even after spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas—it’s important to seek medical care promptly.

Early evaluation helps healthcare providers determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed.

Protecting Yourself from Tick Bites

Reducing tick exposure begins before heading outdoors.

Health experts recommend:

• Wearing long sleeves and long pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Using insect repellents approved for tick protection.
• Staying on marked trails when hiking.
• Performing full-body tick checks after outdoor activities.
• Showering soon after returning indoors.
• Checking children and pets carefully for ticks.

Prompt removal of attached ticks may reduce the risk of certain tick-borne diseases.

Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many viral illnesses improve within a few days, worsening neurological symptoms should never be ignored.

Seek immediate medical care if someone develops:

• Severe or persistent headache.
• Confusion or unusual behavior.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Trouble walking.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness.

These symptoms can have many possible causes, but they always require urgent evaluation.

A Family’s Lasting Message

Kevin’s loved ones know they cannot change what happened.

What they hope is that others will learn from his experience.

Their message is simple: don’t dismiss a tick bite as insignificant, and don’t ignore symptoms that continue to worsen. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and seek medical attention promptly.