<h3 class="wp-block-heading">â  ;<strong>Symptoms of Lyme Disease</strong></h3>



<p>Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium ;<em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7379308826988332835/1873584939803093060#"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Tzi5DT2joJ_29iCn3isINSs0IkjF9hUtrsO8Flb1dpHNXl9Y0V5xip0wXeALrioF9QFJUI-BmPEUxgeNxygUI9aTm-hh4Ysq3XKRuxs26u5v431iGlbOcp0cZBbJo26Sd3zNvOtFSGJcmGc84zB6EtvCOVzkFOS8uV4-bUoxbxUg9yGN1UVujpPnB6TY/w426-h640/Lyme%20Disease.png" alt="Lyme Disease" title="Lyme Disease"/></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Early Symptoms (3–30 days after tick bite):</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Erythema migrans (EM) rash</strong>: Often a &#8220;bull&#8217;s-eye&#8221; shape, expanding red rash (occurs in ~70–80% of cases)</li>



<li><strong>Fever</strong></li>



<li><strong>Chills</strong></li>



<li><strong>Headache</strong></li>



<li><strong>Fatigue</strong></li>



<li><strong>Muscle and joint aches</strong></li>



<li><strong>Swollen lymph nodes</strong></li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Later Symptoms (weeks to months after bite):</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Severe headaches and neck stiffness</strong></li>



<li><strong>Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body</strong></li>



<li><strong>Facial palsy</strong> (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)</li>



<li><strong>Arthritis</strong> (especially in large joints like knees)</li>



<li><strong>Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)</strong></li>



<li><strong>Dizziness or shortness of breath</strong></li>



<li><strong>Nerve pain, shooting pains, numbness, or tingling</strong></li>



<li><strong>Problems with short-term memory or concentration</strong></li>
</ul>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ð¡ï¸ ;<strong>Prevention Tips</strong></h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Avoid Tick-Infested Areas:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Stay on clear, well-traveled trails.</li>



<li>Avoid tall grasses, brush, and wooded areas—especially in late spring and summer.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Use Protective Clothing:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Wear long sleeves and long pants.</li>



<li>Tuck pants into socks or boots.</li>



<li>Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3. Use Tick Repellents:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>DEET</strong>: Apply to exposed skin (20–30% DEET is effective).</li>



<li><strong>Permethrin</strong>: Treat clothing and gear (do not apply to skin).</li>



<li>Natural repellents like lemon eucalyptus oil may also offer protection.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4. Check for Ticks Frequently:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>After spending time outdoors, perform full-body tick checks—especially:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Under arms</li>



<li>In/around ears</li>



<li>Behind knees</li>



<li>In hair</li>



<li>Around waist</li>



<li>Inside belly button</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Use mirrors for hard-to-see areas.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>5. Shower Soon After Being Outdoors:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Showering within two hours of coming indoors may reduce the risk of Lyme disease.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>6. Remove Ticks Promptly and Properly:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.</li>



<li>Pull upward with steady, even pressure.</li>



<li>Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>7. Protect Pets:</strong></h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventives on pets.</li>



<li>Check pets for ticks daily, especially if they roam in grassy or wooded areas.</li>
</ul>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">â ︠;<strong>When to See a Doctor</strong></h3>



<p>Seek medical attention if you:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Develop a rash or fever after a tick bite.</li>



<li>Experience any of the later-stage symptoms.</li>



<li>Suspect you&#8217;ve had a tick bite, even if no symptoms appear right away.</li>
</ul>



<p>Early treatment with antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) is very effective.</p>