Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease You Might Not Know About
- Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.
- The early symptoms of Lyme disease may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and a bulls-eye rash.
- If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems, including joint pain, paralysis, and heart problems.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by infected deer ticks. Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can get treatment as soon as possible. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, and the earlier you start treatment, the better. Here are some early symptoms of Lyme disease that you might not be aware of.
1. Rash
The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is erythema migrans (EM) or a bull’s-eye rash. This rash occurs in about 70-80% of patients who are infected with Lyme disease, and it usually appears 3-30 days after a tick bite. The rash starts as a small red spot, and then it expands outward in a circular or oval shape. It is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
2. Flu-like symptoms
Another first sign of Lyme disease is flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms can occur either with or without the presence of the characteristic bull’s-eye rash.
3. Joint pain and stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness are more serious symptoms of Lyme disease. The pain is often migratory, meaning it will move from joint to joint over the course of a few days or weeks. The pain may be accompanied by swelling in the joints and/or stiffness, particularly in the morning hours.
4. Neurological problems
Lyme disease can also cause neurological problems such as facial paralysis (also known as Bell’s palsy), meningitis, and encephalitis. These problems can occur weeks or even months after you’ve been infected with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.
FAQs about Lyme disease
Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. In most cases, oral antibiotics are prescribed for three to four weeks. In some cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease, it’s important to finish all of your antibiotic medication even if you are feeling better. Failure to do so can lead to relapse or other serious health problems.
Lyme disease is a serious condition that can have a major impact on your health if it’s not treated promptly and effectively. Lyme disease can cause joint pain, paralysis, and even dementia if it’s not caught early enough.
No, Lyme disease does not stay with you forever. With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery from the infection. However, some people may experience lingering symptoms even after they’ve been treated for the infection.
There are no specific foods that should be avoided if you have Lyme disease. However, it’s generally recommended that you eat a healthy diet and avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated fat and sugar.
Final thoughts
Lyme disease is a serious infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you think you might have Lyme disease, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so you can start treatment with antibiotics. The earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of fully recovering from this potentially debilitating illness. Be sure to watch for early symptoms of Lyme disease so you can get help right away if necessary.