Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that is spread from deer to humans through deer tick bites. If not treated early, Lyme disease can become chronic and cause severe symptoms. Sometimes, you may get bitten by a tick and not realize it until you notice Lyme symptoms appear. However, is it too late to get treatment for Lyme disease once symptoms appear? Keep reading to learn more about Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
If you think you were bitten by a tick, seeking care immediately is vital to treating Lyme disease effectively. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, we provide rapid care for tick bites, including Lyme disease care. We are conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood with close proximity to multiple Boston colleges. Walk into the clinic today for rapid symptom diagnosis and treatment services in Boston, MA.
How Do You Get Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a common bacterial infection in the Northeast, along with many other parts of the United States. It is spread to humans by ticks that bite a deer and then bite a human afterward. Ticks are a very common insect, however, they can range in size from a centimeter in size to the size of a pinhead. This can make it difficult to determine that you have been bitten by a tick. In some cases, a circular rash nicknamed a bullseye rash will appear around a tick bite. However, this does not happen in every case. It is vital that you avoid heavily wooded areas or areas with tall grass without taking proper care to avoid ticks. Always perform a tick check on yourself after going outside to ensure that you haven’t picked up any hitchhiking ticks!
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Sometimes, you may have no idea that you were bitten by a tick. Lyme disease symptoms can take anywhere from days to weeks to appear following a tick bite. In most cases, Lyme disease symptoms can be mild for the first stage of the disease which often causes symptoms to go unnoticed. This can cause Lyme disease to go untreated for weeks. It is vital that you know the early symptoms of Lyme disease so that you can seek treatment early. If left untreated, symptoms may become chronic and continue to worsen over time.
Common symptoms of Lyme disease include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Stiff neck
- Swollen lymph nodes
Is Lyme Disease Treatable
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. If caught early enough, it can be treatable. Lyme disease typically needs to be treated within 72 hours of the original tick bite with antibiotics in order for the treatment to be effective. That is why it is vital to check for ticks after being outside. If you don’t experience symptoms until after this 72 hour period, it is possible that your symptoms can become chronic. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise on therapies to help manage your symptoms during flare-ups.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Back Bay for Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment near Boston, MA
If you were bitten by a tick or are experiencing any symptoms of Lyme disease, you should seek immediate medical care for diagnostic testing. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our clinic offers same-day Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment services. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic. We are located in Back Bay, which is close to many Boston colleges and universities. We offer affordable care and accept most medical insurance plans. Walk into the clinic today for rapid care!
