Lyme Disease & Symptoms

Early signs (days to weeks after a tick bite):

• Erythema migrans, the expanding 'bull's-eye' rash, in about 70-80 percent of cases
• Additional rashes on other parts of the body once the infection has spread
• Fever and chills, flu-like illness
• Fatigue
• Headache and neck stiffness
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Facial palsy (drooping on one or both sides of the face)
• Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)

Source: CDC, Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease. Educational information only.

Later signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease may include:

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Additional rashes on other areas of the body
• Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or drooping on one or both sides of the face)
• Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees
• Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, dizziness or shortness of breath
• Nerve pain; shooting pains, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Some people have prolonged symptoms after recommended treatment for Lyme disease. CDC calls this Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Examples may include fatigue, body aches and difficulty thinking. This page is general education and is not a diagnosis. For personal medical advice, contact a licensed clinician.

Source: CDC, Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease; CDC, Chronic Symptoms and Lyme Disease.

What to do next:

• Document symptoms and when they began
• Photograph rashes or skin changes
• Note any known or possible tick exposure
• Keep track of symptoms as they change
• Share your history and concerns with a healthcare provider
• Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly changing symptoms