Lyme disease is contracted through receiving a bite from a tick that is carrying a special type of bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transferred to ticks when they bite an animal that is infected with Lyme disease. When a person receives a bite from a tick that is infected with the bacteria, they may at first be unaware that they have caught Lyme disease as it can take up to several weeks for symptoms to appear. Usually, the bite mark is the first sign that a person will notice, and it is then followed by some flu-like symptoms.
Lyme disease progresses slowly through three distinct stages that are marked by their severity. By receiving medical care early on in the progression of the disease, the more severe consequences of an infection can be avoided. This means that knowing more about how to prevent Lyme disease, how to recognize an early infection and how to seek treatment will have a significant effect on a person’s long-term prognosis.
Preventing Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is contracted in areas where a tick might bite a person. This means that a person is most at risk when they are playing or working outside. Hunting, camping and hiking are a few of the more common activities that tend to expose people to ticks. However, even when people are working in the garden at home, they could be exposed to a tick with Lyme disease. Because of its contagious nature, Lyme disease is often more prevalent in certain areas. Forests and other areas with wild animals are known to have more incidences of Lyme disease. It is also very possible for a pet to bring ticks home after accompanying their owner to an area that is infested with the disease.
In order to fully prevent catching Lyme disease, a person will want to completely avoid areas where there is high grass, forests and deer. If they are going to be walking through these areas, then they should take the appropriate precautions to protect their body. Walking in the center of paths, wearing long pants and sleeves and using an insect repellent are all ways of preventing a tick bite. Once they are done with their activity, they should remove their clothing, and check carefully for any ticks before showering. If a tick is found and removed within at least one to three days, then it is less likely to pass on the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.
Symptoms of Early Lyme Disease
During the first stage of Lyme disease, the bacteria have not yet coursed through the infected individual’s body. For this reason, it is referred to as a localized infection, and at this point, it is possible to receive medical treatment that will completely eradicate the disease from the body. Often, the first sign that a person will notice is a bull’s eye shaped rash at the area where the bite occurred. The rash may be slightly raised, and it might expand to cover a larger area of the skin. Most people will also notice flu-like symptoms. Many patients with Lyme disease report having headaches. They may also run a high fever and complain of aching muscles.
Some people may only have a general feeling that they are not well. These symptoms may begin and then disappear before returning again. They can also last several weeks. However, if the disease is not treated at this point, then it will progress in severity and can potentially result in paralysis and heart problems. Therefore, if someone even suspects that they are experiencing signs of an early Lyme disease infection then they will want to seek further help from Holtorf Lyme Disease Specialists or other medical clinics that specialize in the disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Lyme disease is usually diagnosed with a routine blood test. If the disease has been caught early, then it can be treated by taking a round of antibiotics. When an antibiotic is prescribed, it may be a single dose or it may need to be taken for several weeks. This will depend upon the patient’s health and how long they have been having symptoms. After treatment is completed and the individual has recovered, one can expect to be fully cured and will no longer be at risk for more serious complications.
