It needs to be taken three to six weeks after symptoms develop. If taken too soon for antibodies to develop, the test may show a false negative. While desirable to begin antibiotic treatment soon after symptoms develop, this can also produce a false negative. The later stages of Lyme disease begin weeks or even years later and can be very serious. It is easily misdiagnosed because it mimics a variety of cardiovascular, arthritic and neurological diseases.
Joint pain can be severe with permanent destruction of bone and cartilage of the joints.
No deaths have been reported due to initial infection, but complications may affect the lifespan of some individuals. Personal protection and early diagnosis and treatment are your best defense against Lyme disease. It is characterized by a sudden onset of chills, fever, headache and bloodshot eyes. The rash characteristically starts on the hands and feet and gradually spreads to most of the body. It is easily misdiagnosed as measles.