Lyme Disease Treatment in California: Can You Fully Recover?

As the weather warms up in California, more people are heading outdoors to hike, camp, and explore nature. But with this increase in outdoor activity comes a higher risk of tick bites—and Lyme disease. While Lyme disease is more common in the Northeast, it’s becoming more prevalent in Northern California’s wooded and coastal regions. Early treatment is key to recovery, but delayed care can lead to long-term complications. So how do you know if you have it, and can you fully recover?

What Is Lyme Disease and How Do You Get It?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. These ticks are most active in spring and summer, especially in areas with tall grass, brush, and dense woods.

High-Risk Areas in California Include:

• Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties
• The Sierra Nevada foothills
• Wooded parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Coastal forests and trails

If you spend time in these environments—especially if hiking, gardening, or working outdoors—take precautions to avoid tick exposure.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease symptoms usually begin within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. Some early signs may be easy to miss or confused with the flu:

• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Bulls-eye rash (erythema migrans)—a hallmark of Lyme disease, but not everyone gets it

Even without a rash, you should contact a doctor if you experience flu-like symptoms after a tick bite.

How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

Doctors typically use a two-step blood test to detect Lyme antibodies. However, these antibodies may not appear for a few weeks after infection, so multiple tests might be needed to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment Options by Stage

Within 72 Hours of a Tick Bite

If the tick was attached for over 24 hours and you’re in a Lyme-endemic area, a single preventive dose of antibiotics (like doxycycline) may be prescribed to stop infection before it starts.

Early Localized Lyme Disease

If diagnosed early, Lyme disease is very treatable. A 10- to 21-day course of antibiotics usually leads to full recovery.

Late-Stage or Untreated Lyme

If left untreated, Lyme can spread to the nervous system, joints, or heart. Symptoms may include:

• Severe joint pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Facial palsy (Bell’s palsy)
• Brain fog and memory issues
• Irregular heartbeat

Advanced Lyme disease may require IV antibiotics and longer treatment timelines.

Chronic Lyme Disease: What Is PTLDS?

About 10–20% of people experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Even after antibiotics, lingering symptoms may include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Joint pain
• Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
• Sleep disturbances

These symptoms can last for months, but ongoing medical support can help manage them.

Can You Fully Recover from Lyme Disease?

Yes—most people recover completely if Lyme disease is caught and treated early. Delayed treatment may result in lingering symptoms, but many patients improve with time and proper care. Staying aware and acting quickly are your best defenses.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Lyme Disease

• Wear long pants and sleeves when hiking or working in high-risk areas
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin
• Avoid brushing against tall grass and shrubs
• Check your body (and your pets!) for ticks after being outdoors
• Remove ticks promptly with tweezers—grasp close to the skin and pull straight out
• Watch for symptoms in the weeks following a bite

Get Expert Care at BASS Medical Group

If you’ve recently been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or a rash—don’t wait. Early treatment is key to avoiding long-term complications from Lyme disease.

BASS Medical Group offers expert care at locations throughout the Bay Area. Our team includes experienced primary care providers and specialists ready to evaluate, diagnose, and treat Lyme disease at any stage.

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