Lyme Disease (photo credit) is something that a lot of people have heard about, but not really understood. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention just released a new estimate of 300,000 cases a year - which is 10 times more common than previously reported (AP story).
Every day in my office, my patients ask me about the possible sign and symptoms of Lyme Disease (WebMD). The first symptom is typically an expanding red rash. This rash is accompanied by flu like symptoms including:
- Fatigue (the most common symptom)
- Headache and stiff neck
- Fever (which may be high in children, but this is rare)
- Muscle and joint pain
If not properly diagnosed and treated, there are many complications that can happen as outlined in the WebMD article. Even though not 100%, there is blood testing that can be done after a visit and an examination by your physician.
This is a mysterious disease that sometimes goes undiagnosed. I encourage you to check out the links above and read about this illness more. And, of course, if any questions, I encourage you to schedule a visit with your physician.