A blood test for Lyme disease can be done. In the early stage of illness the test may be negative. Diagnosis of Lyme disease in the early stage is usually based on symptoms of Lyme disease in a person with a known tick bite. A doctor may treat Lyme disease with antibiotics based on a persons illness and a history of a tick bite and tick exposure. Antibiotics can also be used to treat later stages of Lyme disease Early treatment is needed to prevent serious and sometimes prolonged illness.
Ticks are most common in the summer and spring.
Inspect children and self for ticks while you are in tick infested areas and after a visit to tick infested area. Look along the hairline, in the hair and ears. Check under the arms and in the groin area as well. Check your pets for ticks. Dress to keeps the ticks off your skin.