Elderly more at risk for complications from tickborne diseases [Video]

YARMOUTH, Maine — People can get Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses at any age, but experts say the diseases spread by deer ticks pose a greater risk for children and the elderly.

Seniors are being urged to take precautions as some doctors report they are seeing more tick-related infections in people over 65 this summer. Especially those with compromised immune systems may have a more difficult time recovering.

In April, Sue Bott’s grandaughter found a young deer tick, known as a nymph, embedded in her back. 

“It was like a pinprick, that tiny, and it left a very small red spot,” Sue explained.

Sue immediately went to a quick care clinic. She didn’t have any symptoms of Lyme, like a bull’s eye rash. A blood test also turned up negative.  But then she started having fevers on and off.

“A fever like 101 and no energy, and I’d sleep …