Lyme Disease Info

According to the CDC - Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)

How to spot Lyme Disease Early signs according to the CDC:

Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones.
Heart palpitations or an irregular heart beat (Lyme carditis)
Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath.
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Nerve pain.
Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet.

What does a Lyme tick bite look like?

A skin rash that has a "bull's eye" appearance. The rash is usually a single circle that slowly spreads from the site of the tick bite. It may become clear in the center and look like a target or bull's-eye. The rash often feels warm to the touch, But it's usually not painful or itchy. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651)

When to see a doctor:

Most people who get Lyme disease don't remember having a tick bite. And many symptoms of Lyme disease relate to other conditions. See your health care provider if you have Lyme disease symptoms. An early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve outcomes.

If you know you had a tick bite or might have been around ticks, watch for symptoms. If they show up, see your care provider as soon as possible. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651)

Prevention

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites when you are outdoors. Most ticks attach themselves to your lower legs and feet as you walk or work in grassy, wooded areas or overgrown fields. After a tick attaches to your body, it often crawls upward to find a spot to burrow into your skin.

If you're in or plan to be in an area where ticks are likely to live, follow these tips to protect yourself.

Use tick repellents and dress to protect yourself!

Lyme Disease Support: Contacts + Orgs

LymeDisease.org has an online support group- and useful info: https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-disease-support-groups/

Bay Area Lyme Foundation- provides support in the South Bay/Silicon Valley. Their mission is to collaborate with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. https://www.bayarealyme.org/

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