生活百科：健康生活系列之十七——如何识别莱姆病病症

STEP 1 Look for a bump or rash 看看有没有肿块或皮疹

Look for a small red bump at the site of a tick bite within a few days to a month of being bitten. The bump will be followed by a bull's eye-shaped rash with a red center surrounded by a clear area and outer ring.

STEP 2 Watch for flu-like symptoms 注意类似流感的症状

Be on the alert for flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, fatigue, body aches, and headaches accompanying the rash.

Less common symptoms that may show up several weeks after an infection include eye inflammation, hepatitis, and severe fatigue. Some people have also experienced short-term heart problems such as an irregular heart beat.

STEP 3 Watch for joint pain and swelling 小心关节疼痛和肿胀

Look for bouts of joint pain and swelling. These may show up several weeks to months after an infection if it is not treated.

STEP 4 Watch for more serious complications 小心严重的并发症

Watch for more serious complications that may show up weeks, months, or even years after an infection if it is not treated. These complications may include meningitis, numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement.

STEP 5 See a doctor 看医生

See a doctor if you suspect you may have Lyme disease. Blood tests are not always necessary to diagnose the disease and your doctor can start you on an antibiotic regimen.

Lyme disease was first identified in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975.