The three stages of Lyme disease are as follows: 1. Early localized: This first stage can last between one to four weeks and is characterized by an expanding, circular red rash that resembles a bullseye. You may experience flu-like symptoms during this stage, such as fatigue, headache, stiff neck, fever and chills, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. However, some individuals with Lyme disease do not experience any symptoms during this first stage. When treated in the early stage, Lyme disease rarely progresses to the second or third stage. 2. Early disseminated: In the second stage, which occurs a month after the initial infection and can last for up to four months, the infection begins to spread and affect the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. The initial rash will have expanded, with the potential of more rashes appearing on the body. Other symptoms you may experience include pain, numbness or weakness, inability to use facial muscles, headaches or fainting, poor memory and concentration, pink eye, joint pain, and occasional heart palpitations. Unfortunately for some, symptoms do not begin to appear until the second stage of Lyme disease. 3. Late disseminated: When Lyme disease is not caught early enough, it can progress into the third and final stage and begin to cause damage to the brain, joints, and nerves months or years after the infection. Symptoms in this stage may include arthritis, numbness and tingling in the hands or back, extreme fatigue, inability to control facial muscles, problems with memory, mood, or speech, insomnia, and, although rare, heart problems. Given the scope of how Lyme disease can affect your body, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the first signs of Lyme disease! If you are concerned that you may have Lyme disease, our expert physicians at Reddy Urgent Care can help. You can either call us or come to our clinic for a walk-in appointment.