Most people expect to catch the flu during the colder months, not in the middle of summer. That's why many people are surprised to learn that symptoms can sometimes be caused by Lyme disease rather than a viral illness.
In New Jersey, Lyme disease is a common concern during the spring, summer, and early fall months when tick activity is at its highest. Whether you've spent time hiking, walking your dog, gardening, coaching youth sports, or simply enjoying local parks around Lyndhurst and Bergen County, tick exposure can happen more easily than many people realize.
AFC Urgent care Lyndhurst provides both lyme disease treatment and flu like symptoms. Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and we gladly accept walk-in patients.
Why Is Lyme Disease Often Mistaken for the Flu?
The early symptoms of Lyme disease closely resemble many common viral illnesses.
People with early Lyme disease often experience:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- General feelings of illness
Because these symptoms are so similar to the flu or a summer virus, many people assume they simply need a few days of rest. However, Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick and requires medical treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
What Symptoms Make Lyme Disease Different?
One of the most recognizable signs of Lyme disease is the erythema migrans rash, often described as a "bull's-eye" rash. However, many patients never develop the classic rash or may not notice it if it appears in a hidden area of the body.
Other clues that may point toward Lyme disease include:
- Recent time spent outdoors in wooded, grassy, or brush-filled areas
- A known tick bite
- Symptoms that develop days or weeks after outdoor exposure
- Fatigue that seems unusually severe
- Joint pain that persists or worsens
- Symptoms that continue even though respiratory symptoms never develop
Unlike the flu, Lyme disease does not typically cause congestion, a runny nose, or a persistent cough.
Can You Have Lyme Disease Without Knowing You Were Bitten?
Yes. Many ticks that transmit Lyme disease are extremely small, especially in their immature stages. Some are no larger than a poppy seed, making them difficult to spot after spending time outdoors. In fact, many patients diagnosed with Lyme disease never recall finding a tick attached to their skin.
This is one reason healthcare providers often ask about recent outdoor activities, travel, yard work, or recreational activities when evaluating flu-like symptoms during warmer months.
What Happens If Lyme Disease Goes Untreated?
Early treatment is important because Lyme disease can become more serious over time.
Without treatment, the infection may spread throughout the body and lead to symptoms such as:
- Ongoing joint pain and swelling
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Facial weakness (Bell's palsy)
- Chronic fatigue
- Heart rhythm abnormalities in rare cases
Most people respond very well to treatment when Lyme disease is identified early, which is why quick evaluation is recommended when symptoms raise concern.
How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, providers evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and potential exposure to ticks. Depending on your situation, laboratory testing may be recommended to help confirm a diagnosis.
If Lyme disease is suspected or confirmed, treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics designed to eliminate the infection before complications develop.
Our team can also evaluate tick bites, remove attached ticks when necessary, and help determine whether additional monitoring or testing is appropriate.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Lyme Disease Evaluation
If you're experiencing flu-like symptoms after spending time outdoors, get prompt treatment to help prevent more serious complications. AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst provides walk-in care for Lyme disease concerns, tick bites, and other non-emergency illnesses and injuries. We proudly serve patients from Lyndhurst, Rutherford, North Arlington, East Rutherford, Nutley, and surrounding Bergen and Hudson County communities.
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. No appointment is necessary. To learn more about Lyme disease testing or the services we provide, call our team at (201) 345-3839.
