How to Spot Lyme Disease

Warmer weather means people get more active, and so do deer ticks. They're most common in the mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern US. And unfortunately, they can carry Lyme disease.

If you think you've been bitten by a tick, you need to be on the lookout. Here are the telltale signs.

In about 80% of cases, people get a red rash that looks like a bull's eye. This can happen within 3 to 30 days. You can also have a fever with aches and pains, fatigue, and a headache, as well as swollen lymph nodes.

If you have symptoms, call your doctor. Antibiotics will kill the Lyme disease bacteria in most cases, but you need to catch it early. If you don't, it can lead to serious issues with your muscles and joints and even cause inflammation in your heart, brain, and nerves.

The good news? Lyme disease can be prevented. When you head to the great outdoors, avoid ticks by wearing protective clothing and insect repellent. For WebMD, I'm Dr. Arefa Cassoobhoy.