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What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.
Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. It’s also common in Europe and in south central and southeastern Canada.
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Prioritizing prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of Lyme disease is crucial for maintaining our physical health and avoiding long-term complications. By addressing the disease promptly, we empower ourselves to stay active, healthy, and resilient, combating the physical effects of Lyme disease.
FAQs
How can I get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, commonly found in grassy or wooded areas.
What other illnesses have symptoms similar to Lyme disease?
Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and several autoimmune conditions can have similar symptoms to Lyme disease. Lyme Disease is called “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms can mimic a wide range of other illnesses.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme Disease depend on the stage it is currently in, as well as what co-infections are present. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, which often looks like a bullseye. Chronic Lyme Disease symptoms can include severe joint pain, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, neuropathy, cognitive impairment, headaches, facial palsy, Lyme carditis, short-term memory loss, word-finding difficulty, visual disturbances, and much more.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for early stage Lyme disease, with early detection leading to faster and more effective recovery. For chronic Lyme Disease, a combination of antibiotics and other alternative treatments such as herbals, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, LymeStop treatments or other therapies may be needed.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Lyme disease is typically diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings like the characteristic rash, and a history of possible tick exposure, often confirmed by lab tests such as the ELISA and Western Blot, or more extensive and often more accurate tests like IGenex or Vibrant Wellness laboratory testing.
Is Lyme disease different in children?
Lyme Disease will often present the same in children as it does in adults, however it may be harder to diagnose due to challenges communicating symptoms. Many parents notice behavior changes, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. If you suspect something may be wrong with your child, work together with your doctor to explore testing related to Lyme disease.
Support Groups
Support groups have become a vital lifeline for those affected by Lyme disease, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Through connection and understanding, these groups empower individuals to navigate their journeys with renewed hope and resilience.
5K
At the Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Fundraiser 5K, every step you take helps raise vital awareness about Lyme disease in our community. By coming together to run, walk, or jog, we unite in support of those affected, amplifying the importance of education and prevention in our shared mission to make a difference.
Polar Splash
At the Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Polar Splash, every plunge you take helps break the ice on Lyme disease awareness in our community. By diving into the chilly waters together, we stand in solidarity with those affected, emphasizing the critical need for education and prevention in our collective effort to create lasting change.
Together for a Cause
Events
Join us in the fight against Lyme disease by becoming a passionate advocate for awareness and change. Together, we can amplify our voices, inspire action, and create a future where no one suffers in silence.
Championing Lyme Disease Awareness
Get Involved
Ticked Off Lyme Foundation strives to empower communities to recognize the signs and symptoms early. Our efforts aim to dispel misconceptions and foster a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked disease, ensuring that those affected receive the support and resources they need. Every contribution helps us provide vital resources and raise awareness within our communities.
