As small as this period.

Yes, that's the size of a deer tick in the nymph stage. That's why you may not remember seeing a tick, but developed symptoms and tested positive for Lyme disease. And if you didn't have the distinctive 'bulls-eye' rash it's possible you did have a rash, but thought it was a common leaf poison or a heat rash.

The nymphs like leaf litter, so when Spring clean-up time finds many people lifting piles of ground debris the nymphs are there to infect them. If a few precautions are taken, new cases of Lyme disease can be prevented. Simple things like laying your work clothes out on the garage floor before you put them on and spraying them with a tick repellent. One with the chemical DEET as an active ingredient. Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants and tuck the pants legs into your socks. If your fashion consciousness screams and you fear you'll make Mr. Blackwell's Nerd list, get over it. Lyme disease can do more harm to your self esteem than a few hours of looking nerdy. Ask any one of the thousands whose life has been dramatically changed by Lyme disease.

Some other ways to discourage a tick population on your property is to prune trees, clear brush, remove litter and mow the grass often. Let the grass dry thoroughly between waterings so you aren't providing the moist habitat tick need. If you live near a wooded area, clear the overgrowth between your lawn and the woods. Apply tick killing chemicals to the property.

Learn the symptoms of Lyme disease. The first symptom may be a flue-like illness, with fever, chlls, headache, stiff neck, achiness and fatigue. It may only last a few days then disappear and you'll feel fine. Weeks or months later you may develop pain in joints and muscles, neurological problems, heart or breathing problems, problems with vision or hearing, headaches and a low grade fever. Symptoms may come and go, be replaced by new symptoms and may be subtle or intense.

Lyme disease symptoms can mimic those of Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus or Alzheimer's disease and is often misdiagnosed. The key factor is to find a doctor who has updated knowledge about Lyme disease; the clinical diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, many doctors are still using antiquated information they learned in medical school many years ago. If your doctor is in that group you may be placated with assurances that you don't have Lyme disease, that it's "all in your head" and he will treat you for your symptoms and possibly misdiagnose you. You can have Lyme disease and still test negative. Another reason to see a Lyme educated doctor.

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