Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium "Borrelia burgdorferi," presents a wide range of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person. In its early stages, the disease often begins with a distinctive bull's-eye pattern around the tick bite site. Other common early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe issues, such as neurological problems, joint inflammation, and heart rhythm irregularities.
If you’re bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, it is critical that you seek timely medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our walk-in clinic offers diagnostic testing for Lyme disease along with other common tick-borne illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-gal Syndrome, and Anaplasmosis. Simply walk in when it’s convenient or save your spot in advance online below.
Stages of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease progresses through three main stages, each with distinct symptoms and health implications. Understanding the stages of Lyme disease will help you identify symptoms so that you can get rapid treatment.
1. Early Localized Stage (1 to 4 weeks after tick bite): This initial stage is often marked by the appearance of the bullseye rash at the bite site, typically within 3–30 days. The rash may expand over time and sometimes is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle or joint aches.
2. Early Disseminated Stage (weeks to months after infection): If the infection is not treated, the bacteria can spread throughout the body. During this stage, individuals may experience multiple bullseye rashes, facial palsy, severe headaches, neck stiffness, pain or swelling in the joints, and problems with heart rhythm.
3. Late Disseminated Stage (months to years after infection): In the chronic phase, untreated Lyme disease can cause more serious problems, such as arthritis, neurological issues, and, in rare cases, chronic fatigue or cognitive dysfunction. This stage requires more intensive treatment and may result in long-term complications, emphasizing the importance of seeking care early to avoid chronic symptoms.
Common Lyme Disease Symptoms
Signs of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of infection, but some of the most common and recognizable signs of Lyme disease include:
1. Erythema Migraines (EM) rash: A hallmark sign of early Lyme disease, this rash looks like a bullseye around the bite site and often appears 3–30 days after a tick bite.
2. Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches often accompany or follow the rash during the early stages.
3. Joint pain and swelling: Lyme arthritis, particularly in the knees or other large joints, may appear in later stages and can come and go or become chronic.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?
Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics; early treatment is the most effective way to prevent complications. The specific treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's symptoms:
1. Early-stage treatment: Oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed for 10 to 21 days. The most frequently used antibiotics include doxycycline (for adults and children over 8), amoxicillin, or cefuroxime.
2. Later stage or more severe cases: If the disease has progressed to involve the nervous system, heart, or joints, intravenous (IV) antibiotics such as ceftriaxone may be needed for 14 to 28 days.
3. Symptom management: In some cases, especially in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), patients may continue to experience fatigue, pain, or cognitive difficulties after the infection is gone.
Seeking urgent care services for Lyme disease symptoms is essential because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from progressing to more serious stages. Delaying care may lead to long-term complications affecting the joints, nervous system, and heart, which are harder to treat and can significantly impact quality of life. If you notice a rash after a tick bite or begin experiencing flu-like symptoms, promptly seeking medical care for diagnostic testing can ensure you receive the proper medical attention.
Walk Into AFC Bound Brook for Same-Day Lyme Diagnosis & Treatment
Tick borne illnesses are serious conditions that require swift intervention for proper treatment. At AFC Bound Brook, our medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide prompt testing services for tick bites and tick borne diseases. We never require patients to schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic.
Lyme disease can cause long term and chronic symptoms, making early intervention and aggressive treatment essential. We work with most medical insurance providers and offer affordable rates for our care to self-paying patients. Walk into the clinic today, or give us a call at (732) 469-3627 to speak with a member of our team.
