### Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease Lyme disease often starts with a rash that appears 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. This rash can look like a bull's-eye, with a red center surrounded by clear skin and a red ring around it. Other early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. ### Effective Treatment Options Early-stage Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime, or doxycycline for about 10 days to 3 weeks. These antibiotics are highly effective in curing the infection. If the disease is not treated early, it can progress to more severe stages, requiring longer courses of antibiotics or even intravenous treatment. ### Prevention Measures 1. **Avoid Tick-Infested Areas**: Try to stay away from wooded and grassy areas, especially during tick season. 2. **Use Tick Repellents**: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET on your skin and clothing. 3. **Wear Protective Clothing**: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from reaching your skin. 4. **Check for Ticks**: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and your pets for ticks. Remove any ticks promptly. 5. **Keep Your Yard Tick-Free**: Maintain your yard by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter and brush. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease.