Does Your Dog or Cat Sleep with You? Things You Should Know about Lyme Disease

Each year an estimated 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease, which is spreading through temperate climates around the globe.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected tick. Check yourself frequently for ticks, particularly behind your knees, underarms, belly button, and anywhere clothing presses on the skin. Pets also bring ticks into the house, so avoid letting your cats and dogs sleep in bed with you.

After getting bitten, some people may develop a fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms. If you develop a fever or generalized musculoskeletal pain, you should see your primary care doctor about the possibility of having Lyme disease. About 80% of infected people will develop a round, red so-called “bullseye” rash.

As bacteria leave the skin, they spread to the blood stream, muscles, and joints. When left untreated over the course of several months, Lyme disease can cause severe health issues, including a slower heart rate or facial nerve palsy, and 60% of people will develop Lyme arthritis, a particularly painful swelling in the joints.

When a tick transfers Lyme disease to your skin, your body increases its production of antibodies to fight the infection. Current Lyme disease testing is based on measuring the number of antibodies in your system. If you’re tested for Lyme disease during the time it takes your body to ramp up, it’s quite possible the test may come back negative. So don’t ignore the diagnostic Lyme disease rash even if the test is initially negative. Currently, there is no vaccination for the disease.  

Talk to your primary care provider if you start seeing potential symptoms for Lyme disease.