Lyme disease
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Lyme disease: Condition overview
Get help identifying and treating Lyme disease

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating Lyme disease. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with Lyme disease
  • Lyme disease is an infection you can get from being bitten by tiny creatures called deer ticks.
  • Not all ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The chance of a tick being infected with these bacteria depends on which part of the country you are in.
  • The sooner you remove a tick, the less risk there is that it can pass on the bacteria that cauases Lyme disease
  • The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is a pink or red rash.
  • Early on in the infection, you may also get one or more flu-like symptoms.
  • If you have Lyme disease, you should be treated as soon as possible with antibiotics.
Most Lyme disease infections happen in the northeastern and north-central United States. Children are more likely to get Lyme disease than adults. Early diagnosis and treatment relieves your symptoms and protects you against Lyme disease appearing at a later and often more serious stage.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which Lyme disease treatment is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.