How quickly do symptoms of Lyme disease show?

By Emma

July 17, 2025

Lyme disease symptoms can appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. The earliest and most recognisable sign is Erythema Migrans. This is a red, expanding rash often shaped like a bull’s-eye — which occurs in about 70–80% of cases. This usually appears within 7–14 days post-bite.

Early symptoms may also include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. These flu-like symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, so diagnosis often relies on both clinical signs and potential tick exposure.

Laboratory tests (like ELISA and Western blot) typically become reliable only 3–6 weeks after infection, once antibodies develop. Therefore, early Lyme is often diagnosed based on symptoms and exposure history, not blood tests alone.

If untreated, the disease can progress over weeks to months, causing more serious issues like facial palsy, meningitis, heart problems, or arthritis.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics, usually doxycycline, is most effective in early stages. If you suspect Lyme disease — especially after a tick bite — seek medical attention quickly. Early recognition and treatment are key to preventing complications.

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How quickly do symptoms of Lyme disease show?