Lyme disease — signs, tests, treatment and how to avoid it
A single tick bite can change your plans for weeks. Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by Ixodes ticks, is the most common tick-borne infection in parts of the US and Europe. Knowing the early signs and what to do right away cuts your chance of complications.
Spotting Lyme early
The most recognizable sign is the erythema migrans rash — the so-called "bull's-eye" — but that exact pattern shows up in about 70–80% of cases. Other early clues are fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Days to weeks later you might get joint pain (often the knee), heart rhythm changes, or facial paralysis. If you find a tick and develop a new rash or unexplained fever within a month, see a clinician.
Tests, treatment and what actually works
Blood tests (ELISA followed by Western blot) are useful but often negative in the first few weeks. Doctors sometimes treat based on symptoms and exposure rather than waiting for a positive test. Standard treatment is antibiotics: doxycycline (commonly 100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days). For young children, pregnant people, or those who can’t take doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime are common alternatives. Most people recover well with a standard course of antibiotics.
Some people have persistent symptoms after treatment — fatigue, joint pain, brain fog. This is called post-treatment Lyme symptoms. Current guidelines do not support long-term antibiotics for those symptoms; ongoing care focuses on symptom management and rehabilitation.
Removing a tick correctly matters. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady pressure. Don’t twist or crush the body. Clean the bite area with soap and antiseptic and save the tick in a sealed bag if you need it checked. The risk of transmission rises significantly after about 36–48 hours of attachment, so prompt removal lowers the risk.
Simple prevention steps cut your odds a lot: use EPA-registered repellents (DEET or picaridin) on skin, wear permethrin-treated clothing, tuck pants into socks when walking through brush, shower soon after outdoor activity, and check your whole body for ticks. Treat pets and keep yards tidy to reduce tick habitat.
There isn’t a widely used human vaccine for Lyme right now, though new vaccines are under development. If you live or travel in high-risk areas (Northeast and upper Midwest U.S., parts of Europe), take extra care during spring and summer when nymph ticks are active.
If you’re worried after a tick bite — rash, fever, new joint pain or facial weakness — contact a healthcare provider. Quick action gives you the best chance to avoid complications and get back to normal life fast.
Fosfomycin and Its Potential Role in Treating Lyme Disease
In my recent exploration, I've come across an interesting development in the fight against Lyme Disease - the potential use of Fosfomycin. This antibiotic, traditionally used to treat UTIs, is now being considered for its efficacy against the bacteria that causes Lyme. Preliminary research shows promising results, but there's still a long way to go before we can confirm its effectiveness. So, while we're keeping our fingers crossed, let's remember that it's still early days in the world of Fosfomycin and Lyme Disease. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing topic!
12.07.23
Alistair Mukondiwa
0