Treatment+&+Response+-+Lyme+Disease

Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin. The use of antibiotics is only effective with early Lyme disease. If used in a timely manner, symptoms will go will within 3 weeks of the antibiotic treatment. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated until later stages, additional treatment may be needed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, help with other symptoms such as arthritis.

In the past, there was a vaccine available called that was available for those in high-risk areas. The vaccine, however, stop ped being manufactured in 2002 due to uncertainty over its effectiveness and lack of demand. Additionally, protection provided by the vaccine diminishes over time, so it proved to only be useful for a short duration.

In an effort to avoid tick bites, people have taken precaution in areas where ticks are found, such as brushy, grassy, or wooded areas:
 * Use DEET-containing insect repellent
 * Avoid high-risk areas especially in late spring and early summer
 * Wear shoes that provide adequate coverage
 * Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to prevent exposure
 * Carefully check your body for ticks following outdoor activities in high-risk areas