Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused primarily by the "Borrelia Burgdorferi" bacterium, can lead to many symptoms. Left untreated, it can change from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological and joint complications. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to manage and eliminate the infection, especially when diagnosed early.
If you’re bitten by a tick and are in need of rapid Lyme disease testing services, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch can help. Our walk-in clinic offers convenient testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses such as Anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, walk into AFC West Long Branch for rapid same-day testing, or save your spot online using the button below.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Common early symptoms typically appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may include:
- Bullseye Rash appearing around the site of the tick bite
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause more severe or even chronic symptoms. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick, it’s important to act quickly and seek medical attention.
Can Lyme Disease be Prevented?
Lyme disease can often be prevented through proactive measures to avoid tick bites and promptly address potential exposure. Here are key prevention strategies:
- Avoid tick-infested areas: Especially during peak tick season (spring through fall), steer clear of wooded, brushy, and grassy areas where ticks are common.
- Wear protective clothing: When outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes to reduce skin exposure.
- Use insect repellent: Apply EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on skin and clothing. Permethrin-treated clothing also provides strong protection.
- Perform tick checks: After spending time outdoors, carefully check your body, clothing, pets, and gear for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas like the scalp, armpits, and behind the knees.
- Shower soon after being outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off ticks before they attach.
- Prompt tick removal: If you find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling it straight out. Early removal (within 24–36 hours) significantly reduces the risk of infection.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?
Lyme disease is primarily treated with antibiotics, and the type and duration of treatment depend on the stage and severity of the illness. In most cases, early Lyme disease can be effectively cured with a short course (10–21 days) of oral antibiotics. Prompt medical attention ensures early diagnosis and treatment, preventing the infection from spreading and causing more serious, long-term health issues.
Walk Into AFC West Long Branch for Lyme Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
Seeking urgent medical care for a tick bite or Lyme disease symptoms is crucial, especially if you've been in tick-prone areas and notice signs like a bull's-eye rash, flu-like symptoms, or joint pain. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our clinic is available 7 days a week to provide patients near West Long Branch, NJ, with convenient Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
We understand the importance of having access to immediate care when you’re bitten by a tick. That is why our clinic accepts walk-in patients and has short wait times. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care to self-paying patients. Walk in today or give us a call at (732) 222-8000 to learn more.
