🦠 Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. These tiny insects are commonly found in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas—especially during spring and summer.

How Do You Get Lyme Disease?

You can get Lyme disease if you're bitten by an infected tick. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours of attachment for the bacteria to spread. That's why it's important to check your body after outdoor activities, especially if you've been hiking, camping, or walking in tall grass.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Early symptoms often appear 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may include:

A red, circular skin rash (called a bull’s-eye rash)
Fever and chills
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications like:

Joint inflammation (especially in the knees)
Nervous system problems (such as facial paralysis)
Heart rhythm issues

Diagnosis and Testing

Doctors usually diagnose Lyme disease based on symptoms and potential exposure to ticks. Blood tests can confirm the infection, especially in later stages.

How is Lyme Disease Treated?

Most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially when caught early. People usually recover completely with proper treatment.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease

🛡️ Prevention is the best protection! Here’s how:

Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas.
Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin.
Do regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Shower within 2 hours of being outdoors.
Keep your yard clean and tick-free.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

You notice a rash after a tick bite
You have flu-like symptoms after being in tick-prone areas
A tick was attached to your skin for more than 24 hours

Is Lyme Disease Contagious?

No, Lyme disease is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person or animal.

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