A more reliable method is the extraction of fluid from a joint for testing. However, the disease will have advanced by time that joints are affected and other Lyme Disease symptoms will have become apparent. Lyme disease responds well to antibiotics, with most physicians using tetracycline for adults and penicillin for children. With antibiotic treatments, the bacteria is normally destroyed within thirty days. Alternative treatments are made available for those unable to undergo treatments involving penicillin, etc.
Ticks live in low bushes and tall grass.
Long-sleeved shirts with tight collars and cuffs and long pants should give adequate protection. Pants legs should be tucked into socks so that ticks will not have a hiding area. Also check pets for ticks. If any part of the tick remains on or in the skin, remove as you would a splinter. Apply antiseptic to the site of the bite and wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water.