Early-stage Lyme disease symptoms tend to closely mirror flu-like symptoms such as fever and chill, which can make it hard to detect. You may also experience body aches and other similar symptoms that can progress for longer than the regular flu.
So, how can you tell the difference? Here is a short list of frequently asked questions about Lyme disease and how to know if you may have LD.
What Are Common Lyme Disease Symptoms?
The first stages of Lyme disease can have symptoms including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
However, most people will progress into the later stages of Lyme disease without treatment. These symptoms can be more severe and longer-lasting. These symptoms can include:
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Nerve pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Facial palsy
What Can Lyme Disease Feel Like?
The culmination of symptoms can leave you feeling exhausted as the symptoms wax and wane. You may also experience migraines and other symptoms that can hinder your ability to do your routine. Some people also experience a dip in their mental health as they battle with the disease’s physical symptoms affecting their daily lives.
How Is Lyme Disease Transmitted To Humans?
Lyme disease can be transmitted to humans through a tick bite. When the tick feeds off an animal with the bloodborne illness that has the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, then feeds on a human, the disease is passed on.
Ticks usually have to be attached for 36 to 48 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium is transmitted to you. It helps to take preventative measures to avoid tick bites, such as avoiding grassy or bushy areas.
When Is Lyme Disease Transmitted The Most?
Lyme disease can be transmitted year-round as ticks never go away. However, the summer and springtime are the most common transmission seasons since people go outside to enjoy their favorite hobbies such as camping, hiking, and golfing.
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