Patient Education: Lyme Disease

What It Is

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that people get from tick bites. It can cause different symptoms and affect many parts of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi
  
  

• Transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks)
  
  

• More common in wooded, grassy areas, especially in spring and summer
  
  

• Risk factors include outdoor activities in tick areas, having pets that go outside, and living where ticks are common
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

• Red, round rash that looks like a bullseye around the tick bite (called erythema migrans)
  
  

• Fever, chills
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

• Headache
  
  

• Muscle and joint aches
  
  

• Swollen lymph nodes
  
  

Later symptoms if untreated:

• Severe joint pain and swelling (especially knees)
  
  

• Heart problems like irregular heartbeat
  
  

• Nervous system problems like numbness, tingling, or facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
  
  

• Memory problems and mood changes
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Noncompliant

• Chronic joint pain (Lyme arthritis)
  
  

• Heart inflammation (Lyme carditis)
  
  

• Nervous system damage
  
  

• Long-term fatigue and cognitive issues
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Antibiotics are the main treatment; usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks
  
  

• Take all medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better
  
  

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  
  

• Use pain relievers to ease symptoms
  
  

• Prevent tick bites to avoid reinfection
  
  

Common Medications, Purpose, and Side Effects

• Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime: Antibiotics to kill bacteria. Side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, or sun sensitivity (doxycycline).
  
  

• Pain relievers: Help reduce fever and aches. Side effects depend on the medication.
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to support your immune system
  
  

• Stay hydrated
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid areas with tall grass and leaf litter where ticks live
  
  

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
  
  

• Use insect repellent with DEET
  
  

• Check your body and clothes for ticks after being outside
  
  

• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off ticks
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Remove ticks properly and promptly
  
  

• Watch for signs of infection or worsening symptoms
  
  

• Follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep your yard tidy by mowing grass and removing brush
  
  

• Use tick prevention products on pets
  
  

• Stay informed about Lyme disease in your area
  
  

• Wear protective clothing when hiking or working outside
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

• You develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite
  
  

• Symptoms do not improve after finishing antibiotics
  
  

• New symptoms like joint swelling or numbness occur
  
  

• You have signs of allergic reaction to medications
  
  

Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room if:

• Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
  
  

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
  

• Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  
  

• Sudden weakness or paralysis
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Lyme Disease — True/False Quiz

Instructions: Write True or False for each statement. If the statement is false, please correct it to make it true.

1. ___ Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread by ticks.
   
   

2. ___ You can get Lyme disease from mosquito bites.
   
   

3. ___ A bullseye-shaped rash is a common early sign of Lyme disease.
   
   

4. ___ Fever and headache are symptoms of Lyme disease.
   
   

5. ___ Lyme disease can cause joint pain if untreated.
   
   

6. ___ Antibiotics are the main treatment for Lyme disease.
   
   

7. ___ You should stop antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
   
   

8. ___ Wearing long sleeves and pants can help prevent tick bites.
   
   

9. ___ You only need to check for ticks if you feel sick.
   
   

10. ___ Removing a tick promptly can help prevent infection.
    
    

11. ___ Lyme disease can cause heart and nervous system problems.
    
    

12. ___ Drinking plenty of water helps during treatment.
    
    

13. ___ You can get Lyme disease all year round.
    
    

14. ___ Insect repellents with DEET help prevent tick bites.
    
    

15. ___ It is safe to ignore a rash after a tick bite.
    
    

16. ___ Pets can bring ticks into your home.
    
    

17. ___ Lyme disease cannot be cured.
    
    

18. ___ You should wear sunscreen instead of insect repellent to protect your skin.
    
    

19. ___ Symptoms always appear immediately after a tick bite.
    
    

20. ___ If you have severe allergic reactions to antibiotics, you should seek emergency care.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualizing Learning

1. Have you noticed any rashes or flu-like symptoms recently?
   
   

2. Do you spend time in areas where ticks are common?
   
   

3. Are you aware of how to properly remove a tick?
   
   

4. What medications have you been prescribed for Lyme disease?
   
   

5. Have you experienced any side effects from your antibiotics?
   
   

6. Do you know how to prevent tick bites during outdoor activities?
   
   

7. Have you had any joint pain or swelling?
   
   

8. Do you have any other health conditions that might affect your treatment?
   
   

9. How well do you understand the importance of completing your antibiotic course?
   
   

10. Have you noticed any new symptoms after finishing treatment?
    
    

11. Are you able to monitor your skin for rashes and tick bites?
    
    

12. Do you have pets that go outside?
    
    

13. Do you know when to call your healthcare provider about symptoms?
    
    

14. Are you familiar with safe insect repellents to use?
    
    

15. How do you manage your symptoms between doctor visits?
    
    

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911