If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, body aches and a lack of energy, do not rule out Lyme disease, even if you do not live in the Northeast.
Lyme Disease was first discovered in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, but it is one of the most rapidly growing infectious diseases.
It has now made its way into Canada where people need to be more aware of what to look for in order to get the proper treatment.
Lyme disease is most concentrated in the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, South Atlantic, Great Lake and West coast regions of the United States.
Controversy is arising as cases occurring in Canada are not being recognized as Lyme disease.
This is shocking since American physicians have been diagnosing the disease since the eighties.
One would think Canada would be more aware.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Burrelia Burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the black legged tick.
Ticks acquire the bacteria from host animals, specifically the white footed mouse, which allow the bacteria to thrive.
The notorious bulls eye rash may appear after a detrimental bite, but not always.
The most common symptoms are lethargy, flu like symptoms and joint pain.
If treated with antibiotics right away, Lyme is fully treatable.
However, if left untreated, symptoms can worsen and may become irreversible.
It is important to protect yourself when in wooded areas to avoid getting bitten by ticks.
Wear long pants and have a friend check your clothing after hiking.
This is especially important during late spring and early autumn when nymphal and adult ticks respectively are prevalent.
As Lyme disease becomes more and more widespread, people need to be made more aware of the symptoms and preventative measures in order to protect themselves.
Physicians may misdiagnose the disease as it moves to new areas, so it is important for patients to ask for a Lyme test if symptoms persist even if they do not live in one of the most concentrated Lyme regions.
Lyme Disease was first discovered in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, but it is one of the most rapidly growing infectious diseases.
It has now made its way into Canada where people need to be more aware of what to look for in order to get the proper treatment.
Lyme disease is most concentrated in the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, South Atlantic, Great Lake and West coast regions of the United States.
Controversy is arising as cases occurring in Canada are not being recognized as Lyme disease.
This is shocking since American physicians have been diagnosing the disease since the eighties.
One would think Canada would be more aware.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Burrelia Burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the black legged tick.
Ticks acquire the bacteria from host animals, specifically the white footed mouse, which allow the bacteria to thrive.
The notorious bulls eye rash may appear after a detrimental bite, but not always.
The most common symptoms are lethargy, flu like symptoms and joint pain.
If treated with antibiotics right away, Lyme is fully treatable.
However, if left untreated, symptoms can worsen and may become irreversible.
It is important to protect yourself when in wooded areas to avoid getting bitten by ticks.
Wear long pants and have a friend check your clothing after hiking.
This is especially important during late spring and early autumn when nymphal and adult ticks respectively are prevalent.
As Lyme disease becomes more and more widespread, people need to be made more aware of the symptoms and preventative measures in order to protect themselves.
Physicians may misdiagnose the disease as it moves to new areas, so it is important for patients to ask for a Lyme test if symptoms persist even if they do not live in one of the most concentrated Lyme regions.
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