How do I identify Lyme disease from a tick?

If you or your loved one has been bitten by a tick, it is important to watch the bite site for the next couple days. Some children develop a rash around the bite site sometimes resembling a “bull’s eye” with rings in a circular pattern surrounding the red bite bump. This bull’s eye rash is not always present however, so you should be watchful for other indicating symptoms. Lyme disease presents with the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Rashes
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Vision changes
• Cognitive decline
• Neurological impairments
• Vision problems
• Mood changes
• Heart issues
• And more…

If you suspect Lyme disease, you should seek medical attention immediately. The treatment typically involves antibiotics through oral or intravenous measures. Most people see a decrease in symptoms and total recovery in a couple weeks, especially if Lyme disease is treated in the early stages. Occasionally, problems can persist for 6 months or more in the form of muscle aches, sleep disturbances and fatigue, which is known as Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. This is not common but still a risk when Lyme disease is diagnosed. Be observant and watch for symptoms after a tick is discovered. If symptoms start, seek out medical attention so antibiotics can be immediately started. It is not necessary to get the tick tested for Lyme disease, simply watch for symptoms and if none present themselves, the tick most likely was not infected.