From a dry cough to a loss of taste, coronavirus is known to be associated with a range of unpleasant symptoms.
But experts have warned that many of these symptoms are similar to Lyme disease – an infection caught from the bite of an infected tick.
Writing for The Conversation, Jory Brinkerhoff, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Richmond explained: “Lyme disease shares a number of symptoms with COVID-19, including fever, achiness and chills.
“Anyone who mistakes Lyme disease for COVID-19 could unknowingly delay necessary medical treatment, and that can lead to severe, potentially debilitating symptoms.”
Lyme disease is commonly associated with a ‘bull’s-eye rash’, although many people also experience fever, fatigue and body aches.
Dr Brinkerhoff said: “Symptoms of Lyme disease – fever, head and body aches and fatigue – are less distinctive and can be easily confused with other illnesses, including COVID-19.
“This can make it more difficult to diagnose a patient who did not notice a rash or was unaware that they ever had a tick bite. As a result, Lyme disease cases can be misdiagnosed.”
If Lyme disease is identified quickly, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
However, delays to treatment can lead to more severe and persistent symptoms, according to Dr Brinkerhoff.
(Image: Lyme Disease Action)
He explained: “If Lyme disease goes untreated, neurological and cognitive problems and potentially fatal heart problems can develop, and painful arthritis that is much more difficult to treat can set in.”
While some of the symptoms of Lyme disease and coronavirus are very similar, there are several distinct signs that can help you distinguish the two.
Breathing difficulties and a sore throat are common in COVID-19, but very unusual in Lyme disease, while headaches are usually mild with coronavirus and severe with Lyme disease.
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Meanwhile, people with Lyme disease may experience a stiff neck, sharp shooting pains, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, pins and needles, nausea and a large red circular rash.
Dr Brinkerhoff added: “Awareness is a key component of preventing and treating tick-borne disease.
“People should be aware of the activities that could expose them to ticks, and physicians should consider the possibility of tick-borne disease, especially given the potential overlap in symptoms with COVID-19.”
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