Keith Collins, M.D., clinical assistant professor of family medicine, an infectious disease specialist with the UVM Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

(SEPTEMBER 8, 2023) Keith Collins, M.D., clinical assistant professor of family medicine, an infectious disease specialist with the UVM Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, was interviewed by Mountain Lake PBS about tick-borne illnesses, which are on the increase.

Collins echoed experts’ advice about performing comprehensive tick checks—and better yet, taking precautions to prevent tick bites in the first place. He also noted that even though many people are aware of the significance of the classic “bulls-eye” rash as an early sign of Lyme disease, it is actually more common for there to be a small, undefined patch of red rash. Treatments for tick-borne illnesses haven’t really changed much, he said, but diagnostic tools have improved.

The interview also covered the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and new vaccine booster shots that should be available in the next couple of weeks, as well as vaccines that may also be available soon for RSV, another serious respiratory condition that affects infants and seniors.