At Backyard Defenders, we are dedicated to providing relevant and helpful tick and mosquito resources to our community. To help keep you safe from the dangers of Lyme disease, we’ve compiled a list of early and long-term Lyme disease symptoms below.
How is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of a blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick. These ticks are easily identifiable by their black legs and red-hued bodies, however deer ticks also tend to be much smaller than other common species of ticks, including dog ticks. In most cases, an infected deer tick needs to be attached to its host for at least 24 hours in order to transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If caught and removed from the skin early, the chances of contracting Lyme disease are greatly reduced.
Early Lyme Disease Symptoms
According to the CDC, many of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease, which may begin to present themselves as soon as 3 days after a tick bite, include:
- Headache
- Fever & Chills
- Stiff Neck
- Flu-Like Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
Additionally, the site of the bite may become hot and swollen, and even enlarge – resulting in a target or “bulls-eye” shape. If any of these symptoms occur after tick removal or a suspected deer tick bite, contact your doctor about a potential Lyme disease infection immediately.
Untreated Lyme Disease Symptoms
If left untreated, Lyme disease symptoms become more and more serious over time. After 30 days of infection, symptoms can include:
- Severe Headaches & Neck Pain
- Facial Palsy
- Arthritis
- Nerve Pain
- Dizziness
- Irregular Heart Beat
- Muscle & Joint Pain
- Shortness of Breath
Ticks can also cause a variety of other infections, resulting in differing symptoms and rashes. Let your doctor know about any other symptoms that may have resulted from exposure to a tick.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Early diagnosis is critical for the treatment of Lyme disease. If caught early, antibiotic treatments are available to stop the spread of Lyme disease and prevent more severe symptoms from occurring later on. However, when left untreated proper treatment becomes more difficult. If you suspect Lyme disease, contact your physician immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lyme Disease Prevention
Limiting exposure to deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, is the best way to prevent Lyme disease. This can be achieved by wearing long-sleeved, long-legged clothing in areas with thick grass or vegetation, and by performing regular tick checks after time outdoors. Organic and synthetic tick treatment programs are also available to help keep ticks away from your backyard.
To learn more about Backyard Defenders tick and mosquito treatment options, fill out the contact form below or reach out today!