Symptoms Of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is the fifth most recognizable disease in the United States and affects over 300,000 individuals each year. While Canada does not see as harsh Lyme Disease statistics as in the U.S., all Canadian provinces have been exposed to the threat of ticks and Lyme Disease. This disease is often misdiagnosed, as the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease are similar to the common cold. 

The main indicator of Lyme Disease infection is a red, blotchy 'Bulls-eye' marking around the infected area. While most Lyme Disease patients experience the bulls-eye mark on the skin, this marking may not appear for several weeks or months. In the interim, patients may start feeling changes to their body and mood including:

• joint paint
• weak muscle movement
• fatigue and trouble sleeping
• heart problems
• blurry vision
• skin outbreaks/rashes

 Testing for Lyme Disease

After a tick bite, individuals should request to take a tick test to treat possible infection of Lyme Disease. The most common test for Lyme Disease detection is the ELISA Test which also tests HIV patients as well as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Syphilis, Rotavirus and the Zika Virus. 

Lyme Disease is classified in three different stages: acute, early disseminated and late disseminated. For those with early Lyme Disease symptoms, patients will need at least three weeks of antibiotics for treatment purposes - shorter time frames can lead to relapse.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease can last for six months or longer.