Lyme Disease

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection that can spread though out your body.

How do I get it?

As the weather warms the threat of Lyme disease increases. Lyme disease is spread by tick bites. These ticks, which feed off of humans and animals, live in or near wooded areas, tall grass or brush areas.

What do these ticks look like?

Several kinds of ticks are thought to carry Lyme disease, but it is the Deer tick that is most commonly seen. The Deer tick is the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

How do I know I have Lyme disease?

The most noticeable sign of early Lyme disease is a rash that often looks like a bull’s eye or an expanding red circle. Other early signs include flu like symptoms like fatigue, chills, fever headache, muscle pain, sore throat and enlarged glands. If not treated additionally symptoms will include lightheadedness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, headache, and stiff neck difficulty in concentrating and visual disturbances.

How Can I Overcome the Disease?

Lyme disease can be treated very effectively in the early stages with antibiotics. The best treatment is prevention.

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

Stay clear of wild animals, tall grass, shrubs, trees and other tick-infested areas. Wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and hats - all light colored so it is easier to see a tick when going into risky areas. Make body checks after any outdoor activity. Get flea and tick collars for all dogs and cats and inspect pets for ticks regularly.

Please note: this is general information about Lyme disease. You should always talk to your physician about any concerns and/or questions you have and follow his/her advice.