Blood tests and treatment methods are available.  See your doctor if you think you have Lyme disease (LD).

A doctor may treat LD with antibiotics based on a person’s illness and a history of a tick bite or tick exposure.  Blood tests done in the early stage of illness can be negative, so early diagnosis is usually based on signs and symptoms.  Blood tests are usually positive 3 to 4 weeks after an infected tick bite.  The tests may stay negative in people who are treated early with antibiotics.  Early treatment should prevent later complications.  Antibiotics are also used to treat later stages of LD.

Additional Resources on Diagnosis and Treatment

CDC Diagnosis and Treatment Information