Lyme disease is an illness that is spread through being bitten by a tick. It is caused by a type of bacterium known as borrelia burgdorferi. It is most commonly spread by deer ticks, which carry the disease and spread it when feeding on the blood of humans or animals. Those who live or spend significant amounts of time in grassy and heavily woods areas where ticks are prevalent are most likely to get Lyme disease.

When you are in areas where ticks are common, it is important to take precautions to avoid being exposed to the disease such as wearing insect repellant. If you do become infected with Lyme disease, it is important to seek treatment immediately. When treated in the earliest stages, most people will make a full recovery. Some people, however, have recurring symptoms even after the disease has been cleared. Learning the symptoms of Lyme disease can help you determine whether or not you may have been infected with the disease.

Because Lyme disease can affect different parts of the body, the symptoms can vary greatly. A a result, not everyone will experience all the signs and symptoms of the disease. The following are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms:

Many people will develop a small red bump near the site of the tick bite within a few days. The bump redness gradually expands and forms a rash that may be very small or rather large in size. In many cases, it resembles a bull's-eye. This type of rash is one of the most common signs of Lyme disease, and it occurs on as many as 80% of those who have the disease. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. Joint pain and swelling may also occur when the disease goes untreated. Lyme disease can also cause neurological problems such as temporary paralysis, numbness or weakness in the limbs, and impaired muscle movement. These symptoms can last for days, weeks, months, or even years if the infection is not treated.

Less common signs of Lyme disease include heart problems, eye inflammation, hepatitis, or severe fatigue. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately to avoid future complications.