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Keeping informed is an important part of staying healthy. With that in mind, we have put together health-related articles and advice meant to provide the information and answers you are looking for. Access previous information through our archive of articles. [ Cold & Flu | Lyme Disease | Breast Cancer ] Summer First Aid from Perham Memorial HospitalLyme Disease What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is an infectious disease that causes joint pain and inflammation and possible heart and nerve complications. The disease was first recognized in 1975 when a cluster of patients in Lyme, Conn., developed a strange type of arthritis. It is most often contracted in the late spring and early summer. After a week or two of flu-like illness, which may be accompanied by a rash, symptoms usually disappear. Because of the diversity of its symptoms, Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or multiple sclerosis. What causes Lyme disease? It is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete form of bacteria that is spread by bites of the deer tick, an insect about the size of this period. In addition to deer, these ticks are found on birds and rodents. Symptoms- Rash at the site of the tick bite that forms a raised, red circle with a clear center.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, fever, chills, sore throat, and muscle aches.
- Arthritic complications, including hot, swollen, and painful joints (most often the knee), and painful muscles and tendons.
- Neurological complications, including paralysis (most often of the face), abnormal skin sensations and sensitivities, insomnia, and hearing loss.
- Heart complications, including irregular, rapid, or slowed heartbeat; chest pain; fainting; dizziness; and shortness of breath.
- Psychological complications, including depression and dementia.
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How is Lyme disease diagnosed and treated? Lyme disease is diagnosed on the basis of blood tests and symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics, which are given orally for at least two weeks. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics are given, sometimes for several months or longer. Is Lyme disease fatal? It is rarely fatal, but heart complications may cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and infection during pregnancy may cause fetal loss. What can I do to avoid Lyme disease?- In tick-infested areas, try to walk along cleared or paved surfaces rather than through tall grass or wooded areas.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes.
- Shower as soon as possible after coming indoors. Ticks take several hours to attach themselves to the skin; in the meantime, they can be washed away.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET.
- Use flea and tick collars on your pets and brush them carefully after they have been outdoors.
- If you are bitten by a tick, remove the tick immediately by grasping it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and tugging gently.
- If you live in an area in which deer ticks are common, mow the weeds and grass around the house.
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