Lyme Disease

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• QWhere are ticks that transmit Lyme disease found?

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  A Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL answered

  Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are found in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and there's a few in Wisconsin. They are very rarely found in the northern part of California.

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• QHow can Lyme disease be prevented?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  You can take steps to prevent becoming infected with Lyme disease. If you are going into the woods or places with high grass, make sure that your skin is fully covered with clothing and footwear. This makes it more difficult for ticks to attach to and bite your skin. Also, consider using bug repellent for additional protection. If you've been in areas where ticks are, be sure to check your skin carefully for ticks and remove any you find.
• QHow common is Lyme disease?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  The cases of Lyme disease have been on the rise since the mid-1990s. In 2009, there were approximately 29,959 reported cases of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and north central states. In 2001, 96% of Lyme disease cases were reported from the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

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• QIs Lyme disease contagious?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Lyme disease is not contagious; you cannot catch it from someone who has it. Research has proven you cannot get it from another person or from eating certain meats where an animal could have been infected. You also cannot get it directly from your pet, unless a tick gets from your pet to you. However, research is unclear about the risk of getting Lyme disease from a blood transfusion. In addition, pregnant women may experience problems that can affect their unborn babies.

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• QIs Lyme disease serious?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Lyme disease is serious. It can lead to permanent and significant problems. Left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to cardiac and nervous system problems. Thinking abilities such as memory and concentration may be affected. Furthermore, arthritis can develop, causing pain and swelling in the joints. Nerve damage and paralysis of the muscles in the face may also occur.

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• QWhat is a lyme disease test?

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  A RealAge answered

  There are two main blood tests used to diagnose Lyme disease: a test called an EIA (enzyme immunoassay) or IFA (immunofluorescence assay), and another called a Western blot. The EIA may be called an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or an ELFA (enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay) test. These tests look for certain antibodies in a person's blood. Antibodies are proteins that are made by the immune system to fight a specific disease. So finding them in a person's blood can help doctors determine if a person has been infected. Unfortunately, Lyme disease antibody tests aren't 100% reliable. People who were very recently infected and people who have already been treated can sometimes get false results. The ELISA blood test is usually done first. If it shows the person may have Lyme disease, the Western blot test is then used as a way to double-check the results. Sometimes, a spinal fluid test or a joint fluid test is used to confirm Lyme disease in people who have nervous system symptoms or joint pain.
• QWhat are the advanced symptoms of Lyme disease?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  Lyme disease can get worse if it is not treated. Signs can include severe fatigue; fever; a stiff, aching neck; tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes; or facial paralysis.
  
  In its advanced stages, Lyme disease may cause painful arthritis; numbness in the arms, hands, or legs; severe headaches; long- or short-term memory loss; confusion; dizziness; and problems in seeing or hearing.
  
  Some of these signs could indicate problems with the brain or nervous system. Lyme disease may also cause heart problems such as an irregular or rapid heartbeat.
• QHow do medications treat Lyme disease?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease. These medications fight and eliminate the infection-causing bacteria. Anti-inflammatory medications assist in reducing the swelling and pain that may experienced in your joints.

• QHow is Lyme disease treated?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  The primary treatment for Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics taken over a period of two to four weeks. A variety of different antibiotics can be used to treat Lyme disease. Treatment is typically done through oral medication. Occasionally, antibiotics may need to be given via IV, particularly in more severe cases. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to treat achy and swollen joints.
• QShould I seek medical care for Lyme disease?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  If rash or flu-like signs develop, you should seek medical care immediately. A healthcare provider usually will prescribe antibiotics to treat Lyme disease.
  
  Antibiotics work quickly and effectively if taken as soon as possible. Most people who get treated early for Lyme disease make a full recovery.
  
  If you suspect Lyme disease, do not delay seeking treatment. Treatment time is longer and less effective when the person has been infected for a long period of time.
  

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