Lyme Disease 101
The CDC estimates roughly 300,000 new infections in the U.S. each year—yet the true number is likely much higher. Lyme disease remains widely misunderstood and vastly under-diagnosed, especially here in the United States.
Obscure Symptoms
No bull’s-eye rash in two-thirds of cases. Only about one-third of people with Lyme ever see that classic “target” rash.
Many people dismiss fatigue, aches, or fevers as a minor virus—or feel nothing at the time of tick bite—then later develop vague, seemingly unrelated complaints.
By the time patients arrive in my clinic, they often carry a long list of symptoms—from joint pain to brain fog—without realizing these may have all started with an unnoticed tick bite.
Why Testing Falls Short
Current tests look for antibodies in your bloodstream—but Borrelia burgdorferi (spirochete that causes Lyme disease) often hides in tissues outside the blood, evading both detection and immune attack. A negative test doesn’t always mean “no Lyme”.
Lyme’s Unwelcome Travel Buddies
Lyme rarely travels alone, it brings it’s friends to the party. Ticks can carry and transmit:
Babesia
Bartonella
Anaplasma
Rickettsia
Plus reactivations of viruses like EBV (mono) and CMV, and triggers for mast cell activation
These co-infections can amplify symptoms and complicate treatment—so a true picture of someone’s health often requires looking beyond just Borrelia.
Not Just a Northeast Problem
Climate change, expanding tick habitats, and urban development have brought Lyme—and its co-infections—into every corner of the country. (For complete clarity: it’s a global disease.)
Where ticks lurk:
Wooded hiking trails
Overgrown backyard edges
City parks
Even on your pets (who can carry ticks inside your home)
But don’t panic—education is your best defense. By understanding where ticks hide and how they transmit infection, you can make daily choices that keep you safer.
CDC released Lyme Disease Reported Cases Map of the United States, 2023
What Does Lyme Look Like?
Lyme is a multi-system infection—it can affect your:
Muscles & joints
Gastrointestinal tract
Immune system
Nervous system
Mental health
Acute Lyme (the first weeks)
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Joint aches
Sometimes a rash
Chronic/Persistent Lyme
Symptoms can be nearly anything. Common complaints include:
Extreme fatigue
Brain fog, memory or concentration issues
Nerve pain, tingling, or numbness
Headaches and light sensitivity
Digestive upset
Arthritis-style joint inflammation
Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances
Each person’s “constellation” of symptoms is unique and includes more than listed above. A Lyme-literate approach means piecing together the clues of your individual journey.
Connecting the Dots in Your Health
As a Lyme-literate Naturopathic practice, we’re dedicated to helping you:
Identify hidden infections and co-infections
Understand how they interact with your own physiology and life stressors
Build a personalized plan that supports every part of your health constellation
Don’t let Lyme stay in the shadows. Education is power—and our goal is to give you the knowledge and tools to reclaim your health, one connection at a time.
Ready to dig deeper?
Reach out for a comprehensive assessment and start connecting the dots in your unique health story.
