HY 03/07: When Lyme Disease Strikes Hard

Complications vary widely from person to person. The key: early treatment!

Some people sail through it with no more than the typical rash, while others suffer fever, painful joints and even heart or nerve damage. How Lyme disease affects you depends partly on how early you’re treated—but people vary greatly in symptoms, recovery time and long-term effects. “Until researchers learn more, this aspect of Lyme disease is definitely a mystery,” says rheumatologist James Ross, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

The facts about the disease are clear. It’s a bacterial infection transmitted by the tiny deer tick, and very common in the Lehigh Valley. The classic symptom is a circular “bulls-eye” rash. A blood test usually confirms the diagnosis, and two weeks of antibiotics should cure the problem.

Your first strategy against a nasty bout of Lyme disease is prevention. If you’ve been in the woods or deep grass, check carefully for ticks. “An infected tick needs to be on your body for 24-36 hours to transmit the bacteria,” says Ross’ colleague, family medicine physician Elizabeth Stanton, M.D.

If you find a tick or have symptoms, go to the doctor promptly. “Not everyone develops the rash,” Stanton says. Other symptoms in the early stage (first 2-4 weeks) resemble the flu: headache and other aches, low-grade fever, fatigue, poor appetite and sore throat.

The sooner you’re treated, the faster and more fully you’re likely to recover. Untreated Lyme disease progresses to the spreading stage, where you may have joint pains, multiple rashes, irregular heartbeat or Bells palsy (facial droop). Late-stage disease (6+ months after infection) can involve arthritis, typically in a large joint like the knee, and nervous-system problems like numbness or difficulty thinking.

“Even at these later stages, Lyme usually is curable,” Ross says. “You may need a combination of oral and IV antibiotics, or a longer course.” Symptoms may persist even after the infection is gone—and there’s always the chance of re-infection the next time you’re in the woods.

Early spring means tick season. Be careful out there!

Want to Know More about Lyme disease and how to prevent it, including details on checking for ticks? Click on the links in the column on the right side of this page.