Ticks are the ultimate hitchhikers, and the small-as-a-sesame-seed stowaways are on the move. The kinds that carry Lyme disease are now in almost half of U.S. counties — a 45% increase since 1998. The spread results in more than 300,000 people being diagnosed with Lyme every year. If left untreated, the disease can have scary symptoms that target your heart, nervous system, and more.
Giving your body a regular once-over for ticks is the first step in preventing Lyme disease — but don't stop there. It's also smart to stay alert to the disease's symptoms if you've been doing anything outdoorsy, even if you don't think you've been bitten. The key to beating Lyme is to identify it ASAP: New research has found that there's a 21% increased chance of responding well to treatment when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. Ideally, you want to catch Lyme in the first two to four weeks, but many people miss the symptoms, or confuse them with something else.
Look out in the fall too. Thanks to climate change, ticks are maturing faster and living longer. Doctors are seeing patients come in with symptoms from March through the autumn, with some cases popping up as late as December.
Watch for the easily ignored Lyme signs below so you don't make that same mistake.
1. Red Bumps
Lyme disease is famous for a "bull's-eye" target-like rash, but many people experience a round, red mark similar to an insect or spider bite — or nothing at all. Look out for any unusual redness, and don't write off Lyme just because there's no rash.
2. Flu-like Symptoms
Both Lyme disease and influenza can bring on chills, sweats, and a fever — but a major red flag is having these symptoms without a runny nose or cough. That's a mark of Lyme.
3. Joint Pain and Swelling
While the symptoms are similar to arthritis, aches could be an early sign of Lyme if pain affects just one joint or changes location, such as swelling in the elbow that then moves to the shoulder.
A stiff neck and headaches are common in the initial stages of infection. Get tested if the pain is accompanied by sore muscles or sensitivity to light and sound.
The disease may trigger fatigue, and some people even confuse it with the extreme tiredness that can occur with depression. If you suddenly have trouble keeping your eyes open, bring up the possibility of Lyme with your doctor.
This story originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Dr. Oz The Good Life.