Lyme disease is a common concern, especially in the warmer months. Spending time outdoors can greatly increase the risk of a tick bite, which can result in contracting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease is most commonly associated with bites from deer ticks, which find their way onto humans when we spend time in contact with tall grasses. It is very important to check yourself, your pets, and your children for ticks, especially after playing outside. Lyme disease symptoms progress over time and leaving it untreated can cause serious long-term health concerns. Luckily, early diagnosis and treatments can help you get rid of Lyme disease before it causes any significant damage.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to Lyme disease including a bullseye rash, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst is here to help. Our medical professionals are board-certified and trained to diagnose the early symptoms of Lyme disease so that you can catch it before it progresses. Our clinic has a lab on-site, allowing us to perform diagnostic testing at the time of your visit. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you or use the button below to schedule your visit in advance.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. It is commonly spread by deer ticks when they bite a deer and then bite a human. These ticks are very small (about the size of the head of a pin) and are often found in tall grass and wooded areas. Infection risks are much higher in the spring and summer when the ticks are more common. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid ticks by using tick repellent, avoiding tall grass or areas where ticks can be found, and dressing appropriately by avoiding open-toed shoes and wearing long sleeves and pants. If you have pets, it is important to check them regularly for ticks. You can contract Lyme disease from a tick that caught a ride inside with your pet.
What Symptoms Does Lyme Disease Cause?
Lyme disease symptoms can be difficult to spot because they progress over time. It is important to catch Lyme disease symptoms early because if left untreated, symptoms of Lyme disease can become chronic. Symptoms of Lyme disease usually occur in three different phases. The first phase happens between 3 days after exposure and 30 days after exposure. Common symptoms include a bullseye-shaped rash, headache, fever, tiredness, joint stiffness, and aches/pains. Between 3-10 weeks the second phase begins which is marked by nerve pain, irregular heartbeats, rashes throughout the body, and stiffness. The final phase happens around 2-12 months after exposure and can cause swelling around the joints and additional pain.
When Should I Get A Lyme Disease Test?
If you are concerned about exposure to Lyme disease because you have been bitten by a tick or are presenting any symptoms related to any of the three stages of Lyme disease, you should seek immediate medical attention. Lyme disease testing can be done in a variety of ways and Lyme disease can be easily treated with antibiotics provided by your medical provider. However, it is important to catch Lyme disease early to avoid symptoms becoming chronic. If you’re not sure whether you could have been bitten by a tick or if your symptoms align with Lyme disease, it is better to be safe than sorry by seeking diagnostic testing by a medical professional to rule out the presence of Lyme disease.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Same-Day Lyme Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re concerned that you may have been bitten by a tick, or if you are experiencing any symptoms that could suggest that you have Lyme disease, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst is here to help. Our clinic provides walk-in symptom diagnosis and treatment 7 days a week with short wait times. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, making it easy to get care from one of our board-certified medical providers exactly when you need it. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying directly for their care. Walk into the clinic today!
