Lyme disease is a serious ailment that progresses over time. There is an increased risk of Lyme disease during the spring and summer months. This is because the most common carrier of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is deer ticks. Deer tick bites can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and you might not even notice the tick bite. That is why it is important to know the symptoms of Lyme disease as well as how Lyme disease progresses through three unique stages. Fatigue is a common symptom of Lyme disease but it is vital to understand the other common symptoms that accompany it.
For same-day tick bite & Lyme treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. We provide on-site testing for Lyme disease and perform tick removal procedures on a walk-in basis. Just stop by at your convenience during operating hours!
What Are The Stages of Lyme Disease
Like many diseases, Lyme disease worsens over time. Medical professionals divide Lyme disease into three stages as the bacteria spreads throughout the body. In the first stage, the bacteria is localized to where the bite took place. The hallmark symptom of this phase is a bull’s eye rash. This appears as a large red rash with a separated red ring. However, this isn't always the case with everyone who contracts this disease. Other symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, joint pain, and muscle pain.
The second stage starts weeks to months after the initial bite. This stage begins when the bacteria has spread throughout the body. Symptoms of this stage include meningitis, weakness of muscles, numbness/pain, and heart problems including irregular heartbeats.
The final stage starts months to a few years after the initial infection. The most common symptom during this final face is fluid build-up around large joints like the knees. Individuals can also experience neuropathy which includes numbness/pain around the nerves.
When Should You See A Doctor About Lyme Disease?
If you notice any symptoms related to any of the phases of Lyme disease, especially abnormal rashes, you should seek prompt medical attention. The best way to diagnose Lyme disease is with a blood test. A blood test can assure whether or not the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is in your blood by looking at the antibodies in your blood. A negative test can either indicate that you do not have the bacteria or that it is too early, and a second blood test is usually recommended to confirm. Two negative tests taken with sufficient time apart are usually enough evidence that you do not have Lyme disease.
Get Lyme Disease Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
If you or someone you know is presenting symptoms related to Lyme disease or has recently been bitten by a tick, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our board-certified medical providers are available seven days a week to test for Lyme disease. Our urgent care center can test your tick-borne symptoms for Lyme Disease and remove ticks latched onto your skin. We’re open seven days a week with convenient night and weekend hours. We accept most major health insurance plans and provide cost-effective care for self-pay patients. If you have any additional questions about Lyme disease treatment, or other services we provide, please call us at (973) 239-2300.
