Lyme disease ticks common in the UK - we test for this at our private GP clinics

An article in the British Medical Journal has confirmed that the location of ticks responsible for transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, has doubled in the years 2010 to 2016. In Greater London, 80% of the area has the Ixodes ricinus tick, and UK cases of Lyme disease increased from 867 in 2016 to 1171 in 2017.

Lyme disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. We have successfully diagnosed and treated several cases of Lyme disease at SameDayDoctor private walk-in clinics, and we have the experience and expertise to deal with this condition.

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite. The rash typically lasts for several weeks and can appear up to three months after a tick bite. Most rashes appear within the first four weeks.

Not everyone with Lyme disease gets the rash. Some people also have flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as:

• • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery

  • headaches

  • muscle and joint pain

  • tiredness and loss of energy

If your Private GP thinks you might have Lyme disease, they'll prescribe a 3-week course of antibiotics. It's important to finish the course, even if you start to feel better.

Some people with severe symptoms will be referred to a specialist in the hospital for injections of stronger antibiotics. Most people with Lyme disease get better after antibiotic treatment.

This can take months for some people, but the symptoms should improve over time.

People with symptoms of Lyme disease that last a long time after treatment may be referred to a specialist in the hospital for advice and more blood tests. Looking for Lyme disease testing and treatment? Book an appointment today at the nearest SameDayDoctor clinic.