A flu like illness with intermittent or worsening symptoms and a history of potential tick exposure is cause for concern. Ticks may transmit many diseases simultaneously making identification of the tick less valuable than was once thought. A thorough history and physical exam from a health care provider knowledgeable of tick-borne disease will help determine the need for treatment. Considering the difficulty diagnosing a potentially fatal disease in its early stages it is reasonable to have a low threshold for antibiotic therapy. Although there is potential risk there is no need for paranoia.
Transmission of disease is likely only if an infected tick goes unnoticed for several days.
A preventative strategy that includes frequent inspection is clearly better than curative treatment. Be happy, be active and beware, ticks suck. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.