Lyme disease is one of the most talked-about tick-borne illnesses, yet misinformation continues to spread faster than the ticks that carry it. Whether you’ve heard half-truths from a neighbor or confusing claims online, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are five of the most common myths about Lyme disease—and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: You Can Only Get Lyme Disease in the Northeastern U.S.
Fact: While Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, it has been reported in every U.S. state—and in many other countries around the world. The black-legged tick (or deer tick), which transmits Lyme disease, is expanding its range due to climate change and ecological shifts.
Bottom line: Lyme disease isn’t just a Northeastern problem—awareness and prevention matter everywhere.
Myth 2: You’ll Always Get a Bull’s-Eye Rash
Fact: The classic bull’s-eye rash (called erythema migrans) is a hallmark symptom, but it doesn’t appear in all cases. In fact, up to 30% of people infected with Lyme disease never develop any rash, or they may get a different kind of rash altogether. As such, Lyme disease may go undetected and develop into chronic Lyme disease as the bacteria B. burgdorferi spreads through the bloodstream and possibly into the brain, causing chronic symptoms and disorders of the central nervous system which may mimic the signs of other disorders and make it difficult to properly diagnose as Lyme disease.
Bottom line: Don’t rely on the rash alone—if you’ve been exposed to ticks and feel sick, seek medical attention even without the bull’s-eye.
Myth 3: A Negative Test Means You’re Lyme-Free
Fact: Lyme disease tests, especially early in the infection, aren’t always accurate. Antibodies take time to build up in your system, so a test taken too soon may give a false negative. Moreover, the bacteria may deceive or weaken the immune system, hide inside cells, build protective layers called biofilms, or even change their shape to be harder to detect. This allows the bacteria to bypass detection and result in a negative test result,
despite being present in the body. Additionally, many people with Lyme-like symptoms go undiagnosed due to inconsistent testing standards or misinterpretation as a different disease or ailment and may lead to the development of chronic Lyme disease and coinfections.
Bottom line: A negative test doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear. Diagnosis should consider symptoms, exposure history, and clinical evaluation—not just lab results.
Myth 4: Lyme Disease Is Easily Cured with a Short Course of Antibiotics
Fact: While early-stage Lyme disease is often treated effectively with antibiotics, some people experience lingering symptoms for months or even years after treatment in what is known as chronic Lyme disease. Chronic Lyme disease can take many forms with symptoms ranging from fatigue, arthritis, muscle stiffness, and even heart palpitations.
Bottom line: Lyme disease can be complex and long-lasting. Early detection is crucial, but even treated cases may require ongoing support due to the survival mechanism of persistent cells.
Myth 5: Ticks Are Easy to Spot and Feel When They Bite
Fact: Ticks are sneaky. Nymph-stage ticks, which are most likely to transmit Lyme disease, are about the size of a poppy seed and often go unnoticed. Their bites are painless, so most people don’t even realize they’ve been bitten. However, tick life stages from larvae onwards are capable of biting and the risk of getting bitten is year-round if temperatures are above freezing.
Bottom line: Regular tick checks are essential after spending time outdoors—especially in grassy or wooded areas. Don’t rely on feeling a bite to know you’ve been exposed.
Final Thoughts
Lyme disease is real, rising, and often misunderstood. Accurate information is your best defense—alongside protective clothing, tick repellents, and regular body checks. If you’ve been bitten by a tick or experience unexplained symptoms after time outdoors, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment at Premier Health and Holistic Medicine in Leesburg, Virginia today! With over 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Robin Ridinger is a must go to when it comes to treating Lyme disease and other tick born illnesses. Do not put your health at risk, schedule now on our website or over the phone today!
Phone #: (703) 857-4280
Website: https://www.premierhealthandholisticmedicine.com/contact/
