Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness - and it often sneaks up on you.
A small red bump might seem harmless but could signal something much more serious.
Here are some key symptoms to watch for if you've spent time in nature. Ignoring them could come at a cost to your health.
A growing red bump after time outdoors
One of the earliest warning signs of Lyme disease is a small red bump that appears shortly after spending time in nature.
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It may look like a mosquito bite at first, but if it grows larger and becomes painful, it could be something more serious.
Warmth and swelling around the bite
If the area around the bite becomes warm, swollen, and increasingly red, your body might be reacting to a tick-borne infection.
This is a key sign that it's time to see a doctor.
Nervous system symptoms
Some people develop neurological issues after a tick bite - such as tingling, numbness, or general body discomfort.
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These are not to be brushed off, especially if you've been in known tick areas.
Joint pain that moves from place to place
Joint pain that shifts location - from knee to wrist to elbow - is typical in Lyme disease.
This unusual pattern is a red flag and should be checked out by a healthcare professional.
Facial paralysis
Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face can occur in more serious cases.
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This is a classic symptom of Lyme-related nerve damage and requires immediate medical attention.
Confusion or altered awareness
Symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, or changes in mental state may indicate tick-borne encephalitis.
These signs often prompt people to seek urgent care - and rightly so.
High fever and intense headache
A sudden fever and pounding headache can be early signs of tick-borne encephalitis.
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These flu-like symptoms often appear in the first phase of the disease and shouldn't be ignored.
Fatigue and general malaise
Unexplained fatigue or feeling unwell can indicate Lyme infection, even without a visible rash. Pay attention to how your body feels in the weeks following a bite.
Delayed symptoms
Lyme disease can take weeks to show noticeable signs. By then, the link to a tick bite may be forgotten, making it harder to diagnose.
Long-term symptoms are a risk if left untreated.
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No symptoms at all - yet still infected
Many Lyme cases begin without obvious symptoms. The absence of warning signs doesn't guarantee you're in the clear, especially if you've been bitten by a tick.
This article is based on information from Iltalehti.