What is Lyme disease and what are the symptoms?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread between humans. It is transferred through bites from infected ticks and is rapidly increasing tenfold from 2001 to 2012.
The bacteria that causes the infectious disease is named Borrelia burgdorferi.
Symptoms include a circular red rash and flu-like symptoms, like headaches and tiredness. Nerve and heart problems can occur if the disease wasn’t properly treated. It can also affect the ability to concentrate and can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
The red rash is the most visible and recognizable sign of a tick bite. It should be your number one indicator that you may probably have Lyme disease.
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How do you recognize a tick bite?
It’s important to note that not all those who have been bitten develop a rash. It can even start appearing after three months of a bite, but in most cases, it’s visible within a month after you’ve been bitten.
The tick bite that causes Lyme disease is similar to a mosquito bite, a small red bump will appear. After a few days, the bump will most likely disappear.
Bites aren’t usually painful, therefore, you need to check yourself for bites if you’ve been outdoors or otherwise you won’t even notice it. The visible tick bite is circular and forms a bullseye pattern.
Don’t panic
Most tick bites are harmless, as only a small number are actually infected with bacteria. Therefore, if you were bitten, there’s a possibility that you won’t have Lyme disease.
Ticks carrying the disease exist in southern England and the Scottish Highlands. It is true that the disease is spread all over the UK, but you’re in high risk if you’re in a grassy and wooded area.
It’s crucial to safely remove the ticks as soon as you spot one on your body, just to be safe.