ICU Pharmacist Explains Lyme Disease

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]And this is for everyone, especially as we go into the warmer months. Lyme disease is the most common illness that's spread by ticks in the US and is caused by an infected blacklegged tick.

[00:00:09]There's nearly half a million people that are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease every year. One of the biggest myths about Lyme disease that you'll always see this bull's-eye shaped rash.

[00:00:19]Well, some people do see that, not everyone does, so don't rely on that for diagnosis. Symptoms can start anywhere between few days to a few weeks after you've been bitten and they're often flu-like symptoms. And if it's not caught early, these can progress to serious complications. The good news if you catch it early enough, you can treat with antibiotics. Early treatment is key. The best way to protect yourself, use bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants when you're in wooded and grassy areas, and always check for ticks after spending any time outside. If you start feeling sick after you've been outdoors, even if you never saw the tick bite or rash, talk to your doctor about Lyme disease.