What does lyme disease feel like

Ticks do not jump or fly. They attach to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them. Once a tick bites into the skin, it feeds on blood for a few days before dropping off. Tick bites are not always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Regularly check for ticks on your clothes and skin, and on children and pets after being outdoors. The chance of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell.

The GP will ask about your symptoms and consider any rash or recent tick bites you know about. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. It has similar symptoms to other conditions and there's not always an obvious rash. But these tests are not always accurate in the early stages of the disease. You may need to be retested if you still have Lyme disease symptoms after a negative result.

If a GP thinks you might have Lyme disease, they'll prescribe a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics you're given will depend on your symptoms, but you may need to take them for up to 28 days. It's important to finish the course, even if you start to feel better. Some people with severe symptoms will be referred to a specialist in hospital so antibiotics can be given directly into a vein. Fever and chills. Muscle and joint pain. Swollen lymph nodes. In some cases of Lyme disease, the person doesn't notice any symptoms during this stage.

Stage 2: Early disseminated infection 1 to 4 months If Lyme disease isn't found and treated while early symptoms are present, or if you don't have early symptoms that trigger the need for treatment, the infection may affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart within weeks to months after the initial infection. Symptoms may include: An expanding, circular rash at the site of the bite. More rashes may appear on other parts of your body as the infection spreads.

Pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs. Not being able to use the muscles of the face. Headaches or fainting that continues to happen.

Poor memory and reduced ability to concentrate. Conjunctivitis pinkeye or sometimes damage to deep tissue in the eyes. Brief episodes of pain, redness, and swelling in one or more large joints—most often the knee. Joint problems are common.

Occasional rapid heartbeats palpitations or, in rare cases, serious heart problems. Late persistent Lyme disease If Lyme disease isn't promptly or effectively treated, damage to the joints, nerves, and brain may develop months or years after you become infected. Symptoms at this stage may include: Arthritis that most often affects the knee.

A small number of people eventually get chronic Lyme arthritis , which causes recurring episodes of swelling, redness, and fluid buildup in one or more joints that last up to 6 months at a time. Lyme infection is unlikely if the tick is attached for less than 36 to 48 hours. If you think you've been bitten and have signs and symptoms of Lyme disease — particularly if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common — contact your doctor.

Treatment for Lyme disease is more effective if begun early. Visit your doctor even if signs and symptoms disappear — the absence of symptoms doesn't mean the disease is gone. Untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of your body for several months to years after infection, causing arthritis and nervous system problems. Ticks can also transmit other illnesses, such as babesiosis and Colorado tick fever.

The deer tick Ixodes scapularis goes through three life stages. Shown from left to right is the adult female, adult male, nymph and larva on a centimeter scale. In the United States, Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii, carried primarily by black-legged or deer ticks. Young brown ticks often are no bigger than a poppy seed, which can make them nearly impossible to spot. To contract Lyme disease, an infected deer tick must bite you. The bacteria enter your skin through the bite and eventually make their way into your bloodstream.

In most cases, to transmit Lyme disease, a deer tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours. If you find an attached tick that looks swollen, it may have fed long enough to transmit bacteria. Removing the tick as soon as possible might prevent infection. Where you live or vacation can affect your chances of getting Lyme disease. So can your profession and the outdoor activities you enjoy. The most common risk factors for Lyme disease include:.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid areas where deer ticks live, especially wooded, bushy areas with long grass. You can decrease your risk of getting Lyme disease with some simple precautions:. Use insect repellents. Parents should apply repellant to their children, avoiding their hands, eyes and mouth. Keep in mind that chemical repellents can be toxic, so follow directions carefully.

Apply products with permethrin to clothing or buy pretreated clothing. Check your clothing, yourself, your children and your pets for ticks. Be especially vigilant after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Deer ticks are often no bigger than the head of a pin, so you might not discover them unless you search carefully.

It's helpful to shower as soon as you come indoors. Ticks often remain on your skin for hours before attaching themselves. Showering and using a washcloth might remove unattached ticks. Gregory Poland, director the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, says there was a vaccine for humans, but it was withdrawn.

It's illogical.