Lyme Disease

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Know the signs and symptoms:
Early lyme disease can often present flu-like symptoms such as: chills, fever, muscle aches, sweats, nausea and/or joint pain.  Some patients may experience a type of rash such as the “bull’s eye” rash, it also may be in the form of another type of rash and in some cases there is no rash at all.  Facial drooping (Bells Palsy) is also considered to be a characteristic of lyme disease.
If not diagnosed and treated early or if treatment is inadequate it could become “late stage” or chronic.  The disease may also spread to other parts of the body and have a negative effect of that particular body systems.  It often will effect more the one system. Chronic systems may include: muscle pain, joint pain, sleep issues, fatigue, depression, neuropathy, headaches, heart related issues, cognitive issues.  The list could continue as some lyme disease patients are misdiagnosed at first.
All ways take the time to do properly check for ticks after being outdoors in an area where you may have come in contact with ticks.   Don’t forget to check family pets as well. If you do find a tick and you need assistance to properly removing it completely, get in to see a physician and be sure to follow up with prevention care.