Picture this—you're enjoying a trip to the park, sitting in the grass, getting some sun. But lurking in the greenery are blacklegged ticks, no bigger than a poppy seed. They’re carrying Lyme disease, America's most common vector-borne infection, and only the next day do you notice a bite.

Lyme disease affects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, yet many people remain unaware of its symptoms and prevention strategies. Having accurate information has never been more important for your family's health.

Here’s what to know.

Understanding Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Researchers estimate nearly half a million people are diagnosed and treated annually.

The disease spreads through infected blacklegged tick bites. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit infection, making prompt removal crucial.

While a majority of cases occur in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions, Lyme disease can be spread anywhere that blacklegged ticks live, including Southern California. 

The Symptoms

The hallmark early symptom of Lyme disease is erythema migrans (EM), a distinctive red, expanding rash. This rash occurs in 70-80% of infected people and appears three to 30 days after the tick bite, expanding up to 12 inches across.

Additional early symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache and fatigue
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, infection spreads throughout the body, causing multiple rashes, flu-like symptoms, and neurological complications like facial palsy. Later complications can include severe arthritis, irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis), and neurological problems.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention is the most effective approach to reducing tick exposure. When spending time outdoors, be sure to:

• Avoid tall grass, brush, and wooded areas when possible
• Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in tick habitats with pants tucked into socks
• Conduct thorough tick checks after outdoor activities
• Launder clothes worn in tick infested areas promptly with hot water and high heat drying
• Inspect hard-to-see areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp.
• Comb hair with a fine-toothed comb.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors
• Use flea and tick medication on pets that go outdoors

If you do find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp close to the skin and pull upwards with steady pressure. 

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your health care provider immediately if you develop fever, rash, joint pain, or fatigue after proven or potential tick exposure. Remember that tick bites are often unnoticed, particularly from tiny nymphal (baby) ticks. Don't wait for a confirmed bite if experiencing symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, with most patients responding well to antibiotic treatment started shortly after infection.

Often, oral antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin will be prescribed, usually for 10-14 days. The good news is many people make rapid, complete recovery. However, approximately 10-20% of individuals experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) with persistent symptoms.

Growing Healthy with AltaMed

If you notice a bug bite, rash, or other troubling symptom, we can help. AltaMed Now telehealth services offer 24/7 access to medical experts who can inspect, diagnose, and treat sudden illnesses. 

For information about routine care, including checkups and screenings, women’s health, dentistry, and more, visit our Getting Started page or call (888) 499-9303.