What are the commonest lyme disease symptoms at onset?

The most common early symptoms of Lyme disease, typically appearing 3-30 days after a tick bite, include a characteristic expanding rash called erythema migrans (EM), which is a red, circular rash that often clears in the center, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Not everyone experiences EM, and symptoms can be mild and easily missed, making early diagnosis challenging.

The most common early symptoms of Lyme disease, appearing within days to weeks of a tick bite, are:

• Fever: Often accompanied by chills.
• Headache: Can be severe.
• Fatigue: Significant tiredness and lack of energy.
• Muscle and joint pain: Aches and pains throughout the body.
• Lyme rash (erythema migrans): A characteristic bull's-eye rash, but this is NOT present in all cases. Many people only develop a solid, red rash, or no rash at all.

It's crucial to note that these symptoms are non-specific, meaning they can be caused by many other illnesses. The presence of a Lyme rash significantly increases the likelihood of Lyme disease, but its absence doesn't rule it out. If you suspect you have Lyme disease based on these symptoms or a tick bite, seeking medical attention is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.