One of the most common tick-borne diseases is Lyme. It is mostly spread by an infected black-legged tick, which people know to be the “deer tick”. When a black-legged tick latches onto you, it uses its mouth parts to dig into your skin and starts feeding on your blood.
However this process is usually painless because the saliva of the tick names the area. The tick can stay attached for days and you might not even notice it there.
For this tick to successfully pass on the bacteria to you a has to be attached to your skin for about 36 to 48 hours. This bacteria that causes lyme disease, known as Borrelia Burgdorferi, is located in the tick’s gut. As the tick keeps feeding, the bacteria move to its mouth, and from its mouth, to your bloodstream.
Lyme disease is usually common around late May all through early September. Let us discuss the various ways to treat lyme disease and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Laboratory Tests For Lyme Disease
There are different laboratory tests that doctors use to confirm whether or not you have Lyme disease.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): this test is usually the first test doctors due to confirm Lyme disease. Elisa looks for antibodies in your blood that your body makes when trying to fight Lyme bacteria. If the test comes out positive that means you have been exposed to lyme bacteria.
Western Blot: If the ELISA test comes out positive, a Western blot test is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Just like the ELISA test, this test also looks for specific antibodies that fight against the lyme bacteria. However Western blot gives more details which helps to reduce the chances of false positive results.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This type of test is used especially if Lyme disease is suspected in the nervous system or joints. What PCR does is to detect the genetic material of the bacteria and provide direct evidence of the infection.
Treatment for Lyme Disease
Because Lyme Disease is caused by a bacteria, antibiotics are the main way to go. If you realize on time that you have lyme disease, you can get a prescription for antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin. But if the disease has spread to your nervous system which would have been detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR test, you may need a stronger medication like IV antibiotics.
One scary thing about ticks is that they might carry along with them other infections other than Lyme disease like Babesiosis or Anaplasmosis. If you happen to get one of these along with Lyme disease, the doctor will add extra medications to your treatment like an antiparasitic drug or an antibiotic.
Are There Any Lasting Effects of Lyme Disease Even After Treatment?
Yes, even after treatment some people still experience symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, or trouble focusing. This is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for PTLDS, but doctors can prescribe some drugs to help manage the symptoms and make you feel better over time.
How Can You Prevent Lyme Disease?
The best way that you can avoid getting Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites in the first place because these are where Lyme disease originates from. When you are in areas where ticks live, like in the woods or in a place with tall grass, wear long sleeves, pants, and covered shoes. Also wear clothes with light color tone, which will help you to support this team easily.
After spending time outside, always check yourself, your clothes, and even your pets for a tick. They can be very tiny, so you have to be really thorough with this process. If you find one, do not panic, just grab your tweezers or any other tool that you can use to pick it up. Get the tool as close to your skin as possible and then pull the tick out gently but in a firm way. Then clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. Lastly, you can use tick repellant on your skin, and clothes, to keep the tick from latching onto your skin when you go into their habitat.
Bottom Line
Lyme disease comes from a tick bite, especially from the black-legged tick. If the tick sticks around for 36 to 48 hours, it can pass on bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Doctors usually treat it with antibiotics, but sometimes people still feel sick afterward, which is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). In addition, to avoid getting Lyme disease, wear protective clothes, use tick repellent, and check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outside.
