Lyme disease is a relevant health concern for many individuals, especially those who live in tick-populated regions. While Lyme disease can be a potentially serious health issue, many people wonder how the disease spreads and whether or not it’s contagious. This blog post will answer frequently asked questions about tick bites and Lyme disease, and explain when it might be necessary to seek medical care for symptoms.
For same-day tick bite and Lyme treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our team of board-certified medical providers can diagnose your condition and plan the best path to a full recovery. Simply walk into the clinic or check-in online today.
Causes and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease vary in severity from person to person. If left untreated, the infection could develop into more serious health concerns with severe, long-lasting symptoms. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and are experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s crucial to seek immediate care.
Common lyme disease symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle & joint pain
Can Lyme Disease Spread From Person to Person?
While you can get infected with Lyme disease through a tick bite, you cannot contract the disease from another infected person. This means you will not get Lyme disease by spending time in close proximity to someone else who does, or by sharing food, drinks, and objects. Unlike the common cold or flu, Lyme disease does not spread through contact. So, don’t fret. If someone you know has been infected you can spend time in close proximity to them and not be at risk for infection.
Another large concern about the spread of Lyme disease is through pets. Dogs are highly susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne illness. Although it’s possible for them to get Lyme disease, they cannot spread the infection to their owners. However, pets can bring infected ticks into your home which could put you at risk. It’s crucial to perform regular tick checks on yourself, your loved ones, and your pets to prevent Lyme disease this spring.
Treatment Options For Lyme Disease
If you find a tick on your body and begin to develop Lyme disease symptoms, it’s important to seek care. The earlier you’re treated, the less likely complications or chronic symptoms will occur. Lyme disease is generally treated with antibiotics. Your individual treatment plan and length of care will depend on the stage and severity of your infection. In whatever case, your medical provider will perform a full evaluation of your condition, symptoms, and plan treatment accordingly.
If you have been bitten by a tick, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment. The center is open seven days a week with extended weekend hours. We accept most major health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for any self-paying patient. Just walk-in today! If you have further questions about Lyme disease, please call us directly at (908) 677-5900.
