Studies show that Lyme disease is easy to treat in children. In one study of more than 200 children, most of them recovered within days or weeks if they had treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Shapiro ED
Lyme disease.
Pediatrics in Review. 1998; 19: 147-154.

 

 

 

 

 

¹

A very small number of people who don't get treatment early go on to get long-term nerve damage.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn about Lyme disease.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme (accessed on 21 May 2008).

 

 

 

 

 

² This can affect the way you move your body and give you other unpleasant symptoms. For example, you may find it difficult to reach out for something or walk properly.

About 1 in 10 people who get

 

 

 

 

 

arthritis
Arthritis is when your joints become inflamed, making them stiff and painful. There are different kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It happens when the cartilage at the end of your bones becomes damaged and then starts to grow abnormally. Rheumatoid arthritis happens because your immune system attacks the lining of your joints.

 

 

 

 

 

arthritis as a symptom (swollen and painful joints) have continuing symptoms for months or even years after they've been treated.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Steere AC.
Lyme disease.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 345: 115-125.

 

 

 

 

 

³ But the condition settles down in time.

A small number of people who have had the infection also get pain and extreme tiredness that can last for months or even years, even if they've been treated. This is sometimes called post-Lyme syndrome. Doctors aren't sure if it is triggered by a previous Lyme infection or if other conditions play a part.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn about Lyme disease.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme (accessed on 21 May 2008).

 

 

 

 

 

²

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Steere AC.
Lyme disease.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 345: 115-125.

 

 

 

 

 

³

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.