Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Do you have reason to suspect Lyme disease? Are you concerned about the impact it’ll have on your short and long-term health? Are you worried that you’re not doing what’s right in regards to treatment?

According to the EPA, “Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease (that is, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas) in the United States.”

That’s a big deal, especially when you consider the fact that there are roughly 20,000 to 30,000 confirmed cases in the United States every year.

While that’s scary, there’s something you need to know: there are plenty of treatment options for Lyme disease, especially if you receive an immediate diagnosis. That allows you to begin to receive treatment in a timely manner.

How do you know if you have Lyme disease?

This is the million-dollar question. If you are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, there’s no way of knowing if you’re dealing with this ailment.

The symptoms of Lyme disease can and will vary from person to person, but here are some of the most common in the 3 to 30 days following a tick bite:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash

While not always the case, an erythema migrans (EM) rash is common. This occurs in approximately 75 percent of people infected with Lyme disease. 

Here are some of the traits associated with a Lyme disease rash:

• Begins at the site of the original bite
• Expands over the next several days, often reaching as large as one foot across
• It’s not typically painful or itchy
• It may be warm to the tough
• It can show itself on almost any part of the body

So, if you’re suspecting Lyme disease and you find yourself with a strange rash on your body, you may be right about what you’re dealing with. 

What about later signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?

Above are the earliest and most common symptoms associated with Lyme disease. However, you may experience others as the disease progresses, such as:

• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• Loss of movement or muscle tone in one or both sides of the face
• Pain in the bones, joints, and muscles
• Arthritis, including swelling and joint pain
• Heart palpitations
• Nerve pain
• Shooting pains often results in numbness

As you can see, all of these Lyme disease symptoms are more serious. And for that reason, you’re more likely to pay attention to them.

Lyme disease frequently asked questions

There are a variety of questions associated with Lyme disease, especially when it comes to signs, symptoms, testing, and treatment options.

Since no two people react in the exact same way, it’s imperative that you get a Lyme disease test to determine what’s happening.

Here are some of the many questions you may want to answer as they pertain to your specific situation:

• Are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease the same as any other ailment?
• What’s the best way to find out if you have Lyme disease?
• Will the symptoms of Lyme disease go away on their own, or is this the type of disease that will linger?
• What are the treatment options for Lyme disease?
• How effective are the treatment options for Lyme disease?
• Is Lyme disease contagious?

By answering all these questions, often with the help of your medical team, you’ll better understand the disease and its impact on your health and life as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Just the same as any other ailment, Lyme disease is nothing to take lightly. It has the potential to cause serious signs and symptoms, some of which can hinder you long-term.

Have you had Lyme disease in the past? How did you diagnose it? Were you able to overcome it in a timely manner?