Lyme Disease: Awareness, Action, and Early Detection
Recent news coverage of Justin Timberlake’s account of his own Lyme disease experience shines a light on a condition many still struggle to recognise early, particularly in the UK, where clinicians and the public are much less familiar with ticks and tick-borne diseases than in the USA. This presents an opportunity, not just to raise awareness, but to improve how we support patients from first symptoms through recovery.
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by Ixodes ticks, is most effectively treated when identified early. A high index of suspicion is key, especially for patients presenting with fatigue, fever, joint pain, or a recent history of spending time outdoors – even if the classic rash (shown helpfully on NHS and CDC websites here – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ and https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/hcp/clinical-care/erythema-migrans-rash.html) isn’t present.
With changing climates and wider distribution of ticks, we’re seeing cases in new regions. This makes it all the more important for clinicians everywhere to ask about travel, outdoor exposure, and symptom onset timing. Patient outcomes improve when we listen carefully and act promptly.
As I outlined in my recent article for The Telegraph, preventing tick bites is simple, effective, and key to avoiding Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Here’s a condensed guide that travellers may find helpful:
Quick Tips to Prevent Tick Bites
- Stick to paths – Avoid tall grass and dense undergrowth
- Dress wisely – Long sleeves, trousers tucked into socks, and light-coloured clothing help
- Use repellent – Apply DEET (20–30%) to skin, permethrin to clothing
- Do a tick check – Shower and check the body thoroughly after outdoor activities
- Clean clothes properly – Wash and tumble dry on high heat to kill ticks
To fellow practitioners: What strategies have you found most effective in promoting early recognition and patient education around Lyme disease in your practice?
Here’s a link to the article for anyone interested: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/dd43d39bde2df95d
