Tick bites are often underestimated because they may seem harmless at first. However, ticks can carry bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that lead to severe health conditions, including Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Even if you don’t immediately feel sick, a tick bite can cause symptoms days or even weeks later. That’s why seeking medical attention after a tick bite is always the safest choice. Here are three important reasons why medical care is essential.
If you’re bitten by a tick, or are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, it is important to seek medical care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for tick bites and Lyme disease. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Just walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online below.
Symptoms Caused by Lyme Disease
Extreme Tiredness
One of the earliest signs of a tick-borne illness is unexplained fatigue. After a tick bite, some people experience overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. This fatigue can interfere with daily activities, work, and overall quality of life.
Medical professionals can evaluate whether the tiredness is linked to an infection caused by the tick. Early treatment, often with antibiotics, can reduce the severity and duration of fatigue. Ignoring this symptom may allow the illness to progress, making it harder to treat and leading to long-term complications.
Muscle and Joint Aches
Ticks can transmit bacteria that cause inflammation in muscles and joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Many patients report feeling like they have the flu, with achy muscles and painful joints. If untreated, these aches can progress to more serious conditions, such as Lyme arthritis, which may cause long-term joint damage.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are another sign that the body is fighting an infection. After a tick bite, your immune system may respond to invading bacteria, causing tender or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. While swollen lymph nodes alone may not seem alarming, in combination with fatigue and body aches, they can be an indicator of a tick-borne illness.
Treatment Options for Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Illnesses
You can get tested and treated before the infection worsens by seeking medical care right after a tick bite. Your medical provider will perform diagnostic testing to check for the presence of common tick-borne illnesses, and may prescribe medication to stop the infection in its early stages. Proper care ensures that what starts as mild discomfort does not turn into a chronic health problem.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Bedford for Tick Bite Care this Fall
Tick bites should never be ignored, even if symptoms appear mild at first. Extreme tiredness, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes are warning signs that your body may be fighting a severe infection. Seeking medical attention ensures the problem is diagnosed and treated before complications develop. If you notice a bull’s-eye rash, fever, severe fatigue, or worsening symptoms after a tick bite, it’s vital to seek urgent care. Timely evaluation and treatment can safeguard your long-term health.
At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for tick bites, including diagnostic testing and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. We’re open 7 days a week and don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance; simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We have affordable rates and work with most medical insurance providers. To learn more, walk into the clinic or give us a call at (781) 430-8161.
