In the past month alone, UK Google searches for ‘Lyme disease symptoms’ have spiked by 195%*, following the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting that Lyme disease cases in England have increased by 22%.* 

With UK Google searches for ‘how to remove a tick’ skyrocketing by 1326% in the past month alone*, Dr Corné Hurter, Medical Director for Services and Delivery, AXA Health insurance , has revealed the seven most common symptoms of Lyme disease as well as expert advice for preventing tick bites.  

Doctor reveals seven key symptoms of Lyme disease to be aware of

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia bacteria, which is transmitted to humans through infected ticks.* When an infected tick bites and remains attached for several hours, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infection.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to a wide range of symptoms affecting the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organs. Early detection and treatment for Lyme disease are critical in preventing more serious complications, such as arthritis, neurological problems, and heart issues.

Dr Hurter shares the most common symptoms of Lyme disease to look out for

  1. Bullseye rash - “One of the most telling symptoms of Lyme disease is a distinctive red rash that often appears around the site of the tick bite. This rash can develop anywhere from a few days to 30 days after the initial bite and gradually expands in size. 
    While it is a key early indicator of infection, not everyone with Lyme disease will develop this rash. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of other common symptoms this summer.”
  2. High temperature - ”A raised body temperature is the body’s natural response to infection. The fever can be mild or moderate, often accompanied by chills and sweating.”
  3. Flu-like symptoms - “Many people with early Lyme disease experience symptoms similar to the flu, including chills, muscle aches, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.”
  4. Body aches and joint pain - “Muscle aches and joint pain are common early symptoms of Lyme disease. Affecting large joints such as the knees, elbows, or shoulders, Lyme disease can cause stiffness and swelling in the joints.”
  5. Fatigue - “Extreme tiredness or exhaustion is a common symptom of Lyme disease.  This fatigue can be overwhelming and interfere with normal daily activities, sometimes lasting for weeks or months.”
  6. Headache - “Persistent headaches are common and can range from mild to severe. They may be accompanied by sensitivity to light or neck discomfort, indicating possible involvement of the nervous system.”
  7. Neck stiffness - “Neck stiffness or discomfort is a common symptom of Lyme disease. Symptoms range from tightness or soreness in the neck muscles, limited neck movements to pain when turning or bending your head. Neck stiffness and pain can be an early sign that the infection is impacting the nervous system and should be assessed by a medical professional, especially if it occurs alongside fever or headaches.”

Six ways to prevent tick bites this summer

  1. Avoid wearing dark clothes - “Opt for light-coloured clothing when spending time outdoors. Light colours make it much easier to spot ticks, as darker clothing can camouflage them, increasing the risk of unnoticed tick encounters and bites.”
  2. Minimise skin exposure - “Creating a physical barrier against ticks is one of the best ways to prevent tick bites. Opt for long-sleeved skirts and long trousers when in grassy or wooded areas.”
  3. Use insect repellent - “Ensure that any exposed skin is thoroughly coated with insect repellents that are effective against ticks. When applying repellent, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, covering all exposed areas evenly and regularly applying throughout the day.”
  4. Sit on chairs, blankets and covers - “When outdoors, avoid sitting directly on the grass. Instead, use a blanket, picnic mat, or portable chair to create a barrier between you and the ground. This simple step can significantly reduce your chances of coming into direct contact with ticks.”
  5. Shower nightly - “When spending prolonged hours in grassy or wooded areas, it’s essential to shower regularly. Showering nightly helps to wash off any ticks that haven’t yet attached and provides a good opportunity to thoroughly check your body for ticks.”
  6. Check for ticks -  “When you return home after spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on your entire body. Pay special attention to hidden areas such as behind the ears, along the hairline, under the arms, around the waist and behind the knees as ticks may attach themselves in these hard-to-see spots.” 

How to safely remove a tick in just two simple steps

Dr Hurter advises what to do if you find a tick attached to your skin this summer: “If you find a tick attached to your skin, it is crucial to remove it promptly to avoid infection.”

  1. “Using fine-tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure - avoiding twisting or squeezing, which can cause parts of the tick to remain embedded.“
  2. “After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.” 

Dr Hurter concludes, “If you experience any combination of the symptoms after being outdoors, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with Lyme disease.”