Lyme Borreliosis Disease (Lyme Disease)

Lyme Disease is due to the bacterium called Borrelia burgdoferi and is transmitted by the bite of an tick bite infected with this bacteria. In the UK, this is more commonly due to the sheep tick lxodes ricinus, which feeds on deer, other wild mammals and birds. Anyone can get Lyme Disease if bitten by an infected tick, however those who spend more time in the countryside, woods, moorland and heath.

Early symptoms of Lyme Disease can include feeling unwell often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms, and can include a rash referred to as Erythema migrans rash, headaches, stiff neck , muscle pain, tender and/or swollen glands, and sensitivity to light and/or sound.

Further on, symptoms can include; extreme tiredness and Chronic Muscle Fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, digestive problems, facial palsy, central nervous system disturbance, and a poor sleep pattern.

Like most illnesses that encompass Chronic Fatigue, symptoms widely vary from person to person, and some people may have few symptoms whilst others have many symptoms.

There is treatment for Lyme Disease, which is antibiotics. If caught and treated early enough it may mean the person gets better, however the optimum length of treatment is unknown and undecided, thus those people who have had Lymes for a while, may to respond to the treatment. In the UK, there are no specific treatment guidelines.

For more information on Lyme Disease, visit www.LymeDiseaseAction.org.uk