WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Lyme disease is an infection spread by ticks. It starts
as a small bump from the bite and may turn into a rash after a
few days or weeks. If not treated early, it may spread to other
parts of the body.
Causes
A recently discovered germ named
Borrelia burgdorferi is the cause. It is spread only by
tick bites, and cannot be passed from one person to another.
The ticks that spread Lyme disease usually live on deer,
rabbits, and mice, but also can be found on dogs. Infections
are most frequent in the late spring and summer. You can get
sick anywhere from 3 days to a month after being bitten. Some
people don't remember the bite.
Signs/Symptoms
Soon after an infected bite, a
small red bump appears and then grows bigger, usually with a
clear area in the middle that looks like a bull's-eye. You may
develop other symptoms that seem like the flu, including muscle
pain, headache, stiff neck, fever, chills, and tiredness.
Weeks, months, or even years later, you may develop joint pain
and eye, heart, or nerve problems.
Care
The doctor may need to order
blood tests to make sure you have the disease. Antibiotics are
prescribed to cure the infection. Medicine for pain,
irritation, and swelling may be given, if needed. Early
treatment is important. The sooner you are treated, the better
your chances of full recovery.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take antibiotics exactly as directed until they are
all gone. Don't stop taking them when you begin to feel
better. Some of the germs may still be
alive.
-
Rest in bed until you feel well. You may then go back
to work or school.
-
To avoid tick bites:
-
During tick season, stay out of woods and fields
likely to have ticks, if possible.
-
In the woods, wear long pants, socks pulled up over
the bottom of your pants legs, and shirts with long
sleeves. Keep your shirt tucked in. Use a lotion or spray
to keep bugs and ticks away.
-
Check for ticks every 2 to 3 hours while you are
out and again after you go inside. Be sure to check your
head, neck, armpits, and crotch. Also check your pets for
ticks and have them wear tick
collars.
-
If you find a tick, take it off with a pair of
tweezers. Don't use your fingers. Hold the tick behind
the head and slowly pull it out. Ticks that are taken off
within 18 hours are not likely to cause Lyme
disease.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You get any new symptoms.
-
You have a rash, itching, or swelling after taking
your medicine.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You get a stiff neck, really bad headache, shortness
of breath, or a fast heart beat.
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