With more people spending time outdoors in the ongoing hot weather, a GP is urging them not to automatically put headaches, fatigue or feeling feverish down to the heat, as some of the same symptoms can occur in the early stages of Lyme disease.
The two conditions can share some early symptoms, meaning Lyme disease may be easier to overlook during the summer, particularly when someone has recently spent time outdoors. Google search data has shown an 89% increase in searches for “Lyme disease” this quarter, suggesting a rise in concern.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing her tips on the key differences between heat exhaustion and Lyme disease and when symptoms after time outdoors may need medical attention rather than simply being put down to the heat.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “Headaches, fatigue, feverishness, and muscle discomfort can occur with both conditions, but the circumstances in which symptoms develop can help people decide when to seek medical advice.
“Some early symptoms of Lyme disease overlap with those people may experience after spending too long in the heat. A headache, tiredness, a raised temperature and aching muscles can occur with both, so it’s important to consider when the symptoms began and what else you are experiencing.
“Heat exhaustion normally develops during or soon after exposure to hot weather or strenuous activity. Excessive sweating, pale or clammy skin, intense thirst, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and a fast pulse or breathing rate are all signs that the body may be struggling to cool itself.
“If someone is experiencing possible heat exhaustion, it’s important to move to a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, cool the skin, and drink fluids. They should begin to feel better within around 30 minutes.
“If someone remains unwell after 30 minutes, or develops confusion, very hot skin, a very high temperature, a seizure or loss of consciousness, call 999, as these can be signs of heatstroke. An improvement in symptoms after cooling down and drinking fluids means it’s more likely to be heat exhaustion.
“Lyme disease follows a different timeline. Symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after a walk, picnic, gardening, or other time spent around vegetation. It’s easy not to connect feeling unwell with where they have been, which can make the infection easier to overlook.
“A circular or oval rash that gradually spreads can be an early sign of Lyme disease. It’s commonly called a bullseye rash. The rash may be evenly coloured, and it can be harder to see on brown or black skin.
“It’s also important to remember that not everyone develops or notices a rash. Ticks can be extremely small, and their bites are not usually painful, so some people with Lyme disease have no memory of being bitten.”
“Ticks generally attach in warm, hidden areas, including behind the ears and knees, around the hairline, under the arms, around the waist and groin, and between the legs. So, check skin, but also clothing and belongings after spending time outdoors, particularly after walking through long grass or wooded areas.
“If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as you can and pull slowly and firmly upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush its body. Clean the bite area afterwards with antiseptic or soap and water.
“Do not try to burn the tick or cover it with petroleum jelly, alcohol or nail varnish. These methods may irritate it and could increase the chance of infected material passing into the skin.
“Finding a tick does not mean you will develop Lyme disease, as not every tick carries the infection. However, you should monitor the area and pay attention to how you feel over the following weeks.
“If you develop a spreading circular or oval rash or experience persistent flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain or joint discomfort after possible tick exposure, contact your GP. Tell them where you have recently spent time, even if you didn’t see a tick or notice a bite.
“Most symptoms after a hot day outdoors will not be Lyme disease, but any that persist after cooling and hydration shouldn’t be automatically blamed on the weather. Being aware of the timing and checking for ticks can help people seek the right support sooner.”
