The rash starts as a small red area which expands in a circular manner to two or more inches. Other symptoms such as fever, headaches, tiredness, stiff neck, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes may also appear. If untreated, the heart, nervous system, or joints may be affected weeks to months later. Anyone can get Lyme disease. A person can get Lyme disease more than once.
Blood tests are available.
Blood tests taken in the early stage of illness when treatment should begin may be negative. During this stage, diagnosis is usually made on signs and symptoms and history of tick bite. The tests may remain negative in persons successfully treated with antibiotics. Blood tests are usually positive after 30 days. Treatment for Lyme disease is based on early signs and symptoms and a history of a tick bite or tick exposure.