[hannob]

That sounds extremely irrational.

Not saying ticks aren't a health risk. But an inactive lifestyle is also a health risk, and very likely a much bigger one.

There are things you can do to protect yourself and reduce the risk, e.g. using insect repellents and removing ticks quickly if you see them. Also for FSME there's a vaccine if you live in a risk area (for Lyme there is none, although a vaccine used to exist...).

[pmoriarty]

"Not saying ticks aren't a health risk. But an inactive lifestyle is also a health risk, and very likely a much bigger one."

You don't have to perform activities that expose yourself to the risk of getting tickborne illness just to be active.

[hannob]

Given that the biggest inhibitor of an active lifestyle for most people is motivation I'd say do whatever you like, even if it carries minor risks. And I doubt ticks from hiking overall is a relevant risk.