Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that is most commonly associated with bites from ticks. The risk of contracting Lyme disease is highest during the spring and summer months. Outdoor activities including sports, hiking, or just going on a walk can potentially expose you to a tick. In this article, we will discuss the early signs of Lyme disease and when to head to a medical center if you think you may have suffered a tick bite.
If you’re in need of rapid Lyme disease symptom diagnosis, or think you have signs of a tick bite, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can help. Our team of board-certified medical professionals is available every day to provide rapid illness diagnosis and treatment to patients in North Bergen, NJ. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule an appointment online using the button below.
Understanding How Lyme Disease Progresses
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that progresses over time. The first stage of Lyme disease is referred to as early localized Lyme disease. This refers to the stage where the bacteria has not yet spread throughout the body and is located near where the tick would have bitten the skin. After this stage is a stage called early disseminated Lyme disease. At this point, the bacteria has begun to spread throughout the body. The final phase of Lyme disease is known as late disseminated Lyme disease. At that point, the bacteria will be present throughout the body including the joints and nerves.
It is important to understand these different phases as there are different symptoms associated with them.
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease
A few days or weeks after an infection when the Lyme disease is still localized you might notice some of the following symptoms:
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain
- Fever/Chills
- Headache
The most telling sign of Lyme disease is a rash that has a bullseye pattern. There will be a red patch of skin where the tick bit you and then a red circle surrounding it. If you notice this rash or the above symptoms, you should seek diagnosis and treatment at urgent care.
If Lyme disease persists without treatment you may begin to experience symptoms related to nerve damage. This can include weakness in the muscles around the face, issues with the rhythm of your heartbeat, or numbness and pain. Late symptoms of Lyme disease can occur months or years after the initial exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptom is a build-up of fluid around large joints like the knees. Patients also experience neuropathy or numbness/pain throughout their nerves.
Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for Same-Day Lyme Diagnosis in North Bergen, NJ
If you are concerned because you or a family member was bitten by a tick or you are starting to notice symptoms related to Lyme disease, it’s important that you seek medical care. At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, our team of dedicated medical providers are board-certified and trained to identify early signs of Lyme disease so that you can get the treatment that you need as quickly as possible to avoid long-term symptoms. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients and maintains short wait times. Simply visit the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for self-paying patients. Visit the clinic today!
