FAQ

What to Do When Bitten by a Tick

If you find a tick on your body or notice a "bullseye rash," take the following steps:

1. Take a Photo: Capture an image of the tick, the bite, or the rash. A "bullseye rash" may indicate Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness.
2. Save the Tick: Place the tick in a sealable bag or vial with a damp paper towel and send it to a lab for testing. This will help identify its species and any potential diseases it may carry. Request testing for Lyme disease and other co-infections. Check out a list of tick testing labs for assistance.
3. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a log of all symptoms you experience.
4. Track Your Treatments: Record any medications, herbs, or supplements you take to ease symptoms, and track all test results.

How to Remove a Tick

1. Use a Tick Removal Tool or Tweezers: Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up, ensuring you remove the head.
2. Clean the Area: After removing the tick, clean the bite site with antiseptic or soap.
3. Save the Tick: Place the tick in a bag or vial with a damp paper towel, noting the removal date.

Important Notes:

• Do not twist, touch, drown, or burn the tick as this may cause it to release pathogens into your system.
• Make note of where the tick bite occurred on your body.
• Watch tick removal videos and read more about it here.

I Tested Negative for Lyme Disease, Is It Certain I Don’t Have It?

Testing for Lyme disease can sometimes yield false negatives, especially within the first 12 weeks after a bite. It’s crucial to see a specialist for a thorough evaluation, as ticks can transmit multiple diseases, which may cause overlapping symptoms. These are known as co-infections and require separate tests and treatments.

Is Lyme Disease Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Insurance typically covers initial Lyme disease treatment, often for up to 30 days with a positive test result. Coverage can vary based on your insurance provider and policy, and follow-up treatments may not be included. Insurers often rely on the CDC’s definition of a positive test (both a positive ELISA and Western blot). Check with a tick-borne disease specialist for accurate testing and treatment.

What if My Insurance Denies Treatment?

If your treatment is denied, consider the following actions:

1. Appeal the Denial: Many claims are initially denied but may be approved upon appeal. Friends or family can assist with this process.
2. Contact Your State’s Insurance Commission: They may assist in getting claims approved.
3. Reach Out to Pharmaceutical Companies: Many offer programs to help cover medication costs.
4. Check Alternative Options: Look into Amazon Prime One Medical, Mark Cuban’s CostPlus Drug Company, or start a GoFundMe for medical expenses.
5. Advocate for State Policy Change: Contact local lawmakers or join support groups advocating for better treatment coverage.

For more resources, visit GLA’s Financial Resources page.

I Was Treated for Lyme Disease but Still Don’t Feel Well

If symptoms persist after two to four weeks of treatment, seek out a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). They are specialists who can help determine why symptoms continue.

Is There Financial Support for Lyme Patients?

Several programs, grants, and organizations provide assistance to Lyme patients needing specialized care. Check out Global Lyme Alliance’s Financial Assistance Resources.

What Is the Difference Between ILADS and IDSA?

ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) and IDSA (Infectious Disease Society of America) have differing treatment protocols. ILADS takes a more comprehensive, individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment, while IDSA tends to use a standard method.

What Are Co-Infections?

Ticks can transmit multiple diseases, known as co-infections, with a single bite. Co-infections such as Babesiosis, Bartonella, or Borrelia Miyamotoi may complicate diagnosis and treatment. Practitioners in GLA’s referral program are experienced in diagnosing and treating co-infections. Learn more about co-infections on our website.

I Started Treatment for Lyme Disease and Feel Worse – Why?

This reaction is often a sign of healing and is known as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or "Herx." Symptoms may worsen temporarily. Consult your healthcare provider, and consider detox methods like herbal supplements, alkaline water, or Epsom salt baths for relief. Learn more on our website here.

Other Trusted Lists of Healthcare Providers or Lyme Support Groups

Explore resources from Invisible International, Dr. B Guidelines, ILADS, and lymedoc.org.

Why Is Lyme Disease Difficult to Diagnose?

Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose due to the lack of a tick bite memory, absence of a "bullseye rash," and the wide range of symptoms. Additionally, diagnostic tests are often inaccurate, with some estimates showing a 50% error rate. Consulting with a Lyme-literate provider is essential for accurate diagnosis.

For more on diagnosing Lyme disease and recognizing its symptoms, visit here.

How Does GLA Match Me with a Doctor?

GLA’s Healthcare Provider Program connects you with Lyme-literate medical doctors tailored to your specific needs, ensuring access to specialists who are up-to-date with the latest research and treatments.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment varies based on factors like the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, co-infections, and the patient’s age. For early-stage Lyme, a 14-21 day course of oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline) is common. For more detailed resources, visit ILADS, Dr. Burrascano Guidelines, Treat Lyme by Marty Ross MD, and lymeadvise.org.