As summer temperatures rise in Montgomery County, more people are heading outdoors to hike, camp, and explore nature. While spending time in green spaces is great for your health, it also comes with an important seasonal risk: Lyme disease.
At AFC Urgent Care Rockville, we see an uptick in tick-related visits every year—especially between May and August, when black-legged ticks (commonly known as deer ticks) are most active.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what Lyme disease is, how to recognize the symptoms, and what to do if you’ve been bitten.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. It's the most common tick-borne illness in the United States and is especially prevalent in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, including Maryland.
Not all ticks carry the bacteria, but those that do can cause significant health problems if not detected early.
Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of infection. Early signs usually appear 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may include:
- A bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) near the bite site
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to long-term complications like arthritis, facial paralysis, or cardiac issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick—or if you’re experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease—visit your nearest healthcare provider right away. At AFC Urgent Care Rockville, we offer:
- Tick removal
- Symptom evaluations
- Blood tests for Lyme disease
- Antibiotic treatment
Early treatment is key. Most cases can be effectively treated with oral antibiotics when caught early.
Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease
Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
✅ Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
✅ Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
✅ Stay on clear trails and avoid tall grass
✅ Check your skin, clothing, and pets for ticks after outdoor activity
✅ Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off ticks
✅ Remove ticks with tweezers as soon as possible
Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Rockville?
We understand that Lyme disease can be alarming—especially for families with children who spend lots of time outside. At AFC Rockville, we offer convenient, walk-in care seven days a week, with bilingual staff, short wait times, and same-day services.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent tick bite or ongoing symptoms, we’re here to help you feel better—fast.
Walk In Today for Tick Bite Evaluation or Lyme Disease Testing
If you're in Rockville, Silver Spring, or anywhere in Montgomery County, stop by AFC Urgent Care Rockville for quick, professional care. No appointment needed!
📍 Visit Us at 726 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
📞 Call: (301) 284-8996
🕐 Open 7 Days a Week | Extended Hours | Walk-Ins Welcome
