What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is an infection caused by the Borrelia genus of spirochete bacteria, most commonly Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States. These spirochetes are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick, commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick. Annually, approximately 476,000 Americans receive treatment for Lyme disease, although exact prevalence is still debated.
How can I get Lyme disease in Sarasota?
Ticks carrying Borrelia bacteria are typically found in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. In Florida, although Lyme disease is less common than in the Northeast and Midwest, tick habitats still exist. Risk increases during:
- Outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, yard work, or contact with pets that roam tick-prone areas
- Tick season, which runs from late spring through early fall, when immature nymphal ticks are most active
Preventive strategies include wearing light-colored clothing, using permethrin-treated gear, applying repellents containing DEET, and performing regular tick checks.
What are the stages and symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease generally progresses through three stages:
- Early localized (1–4 weeks after bite): Typically marked by a circular red rash known as erythema migrans, seen in about 80% of cases, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle and joint aches.
- Early disseminated (weeks to months): The bacteria spread through the body, causing multiple rashes, neurological problems like facial palsy or meningitis, and sometimes heart complications such as Lyme carditis.
- Late disseminated (months to years): Can result in Lyme arthritis, neurological problems, or other chronic symptoms.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid more severe complications.
Can I diagnose Lyme disease just by noticing a rash?
If you are in a region where Lyme disease is present, and you develop a rash consistent with erythema migrans, a medical provider can sometimes make a clinical diagnosis without laboratory testing. However, not all red rashes are Lyme disease, and doctors will still consider:
- The pattern and expansion of the rash (typically growing 2–3 centimeters per day)
- Accompanying symptoms
- Any potential tick exposure
What clinical signs and history does a provider look for?
When a healthcare professional is assessing you for Lyme disease, they will focus on:
- Symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle or joint pain, facial paralysis, heart palpitations, or arthritis
- History of potential tick exposure, such as time spent outdoors in tick habitats
- Physical examination findings, especially any expanding red rash
- Ruling out other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as viral infections or cellulitis
What lab tests confirm Lyme disease?
If you do not have the classic rash, or the diagnosis is uncertain, laboratory testing is recommended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a two-step approach:
- First step: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to detect antibodies to the Lyme bacteria
- Second step: If the ELISA is positive or equivocal, a Western blot is performed to confirm
Some important notes:
- Antibodies may not develop until 4–6 weeks after infection, which means early tests can be negative even if you have Lyme
- Testing too early can lead to false negatives, so a repeat test may be advised
- Cross-reactivity can cause false positives, so results must be interpreted by a knowledgeable provider
Why are at-home Lyme test kits not reliable?
At-home tests do not place your results in the full medical context of exposure, physical exam, and symptoms. Many of these kits are not fully validated for accuracy and do not follow the CDC-recommended two-step testing method.
For the best chance of an accurate diagnosis, professional laboratory testing ordered by a qualified clinician is strongly recommended.
When should I seek medical evaluation?
You should seek a medical evaluation if you experience:
- A bull’s-eye rash or other expanding red patch
- Flu-like symptoms after possible tick exposure
- Neurological problems such as facial drooping, nerve pain, or meningitis
- Heart symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, or dizziness
- Joint pain or swelling, especially in large joints such as the knees
In Sarasota, you should see a knowledgeable provider promptly to begin antibiotics if needed, as early treatment is far more effective.
What antibiotic treatments are recommended?
According to standard guidelines, the antibiotics most often used to treat Lyme disease include doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil for 10 to 14 days in early cases.
For Lyme disease that involves neurological or heart complications, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone may be necessary for two to three weeks.
Early treatment generally results in complete recovery and prevents long-term complications.
What if symptoms persist after treatment?
About 5–20% of patients may experience ongoing symptoms after treatment, such as fatigue, pain, or cognitive problems. This condition is known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
There is some debate about why PTLDS happens — possible causes include immune system changes, inflammation, or a lingering effect of infection — but these patients benefit from supportive, integrated medical care to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Why choose Dr. Angela Jordan at Reveal Vitality?
Reveal Vitality in Sarasota offers a holistic, integrative approach to Lyme disease evaluation and management, including advanced lab testing, co-infection panels, and root-cause treatment strategies.
Dr. Angela Jordan has specific experience with both early Lyme disease and chronic Lyme or post-treatment Lyme cases, providing:
- Thorough intake and examination
- CDC-recommended lab testing
- Co-infection evaluation
- Functional medicine support for immune health and symptom relief
If you are worried about Lyme disease — whether you have a rash, flu-like symptoms, or simply cannot get clear answers from a past provider — consider making an appointment with Dr. Jordan at Reveal Vitality.
How does evaluation with Dr. Jordan work?
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan, you can expect:
- A comprehensive health intake, covering your exposure history, symptoms, and medical background
- A focused physical exam to look for Lyme disease signs
- Laboratory testing, including CDC-approved two-step antibody tests and, if appropriate, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests
- A customized treatment plan with antibiotics and supportive therapies
- Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and manage any lingering symptoms
This thorough, holistic approach ensures nothing is missed and that you receive the best chance for full recovery.
What else should patients know?
A few more tips for those concerned about Lyme disease in Sarasota:
- Prevention is key: wear protective clothing, use repellents with DEET or picaridin, and perform daily tick checks
- If you find a tick, remove it with fine tweezers, clean the area well, and monitor for any rash or illness
- Ticks are most active during spring and summer, but can be present year-round in Florida’s mild climate
- Routine antibiotics to prevent Lyme after a tick bite are only given under specific conditions (for example, if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours and identified as a black-legged tick)
- Ask your provider about insurance coverage for lab testing, evaluation, and any integrative care options
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wait to see if symptoms worsen?
No. Lyme disease can progress to serious neurological or heart complications if left untreated. Early treatment is the best chance for a full cure.
Can blood tests confirm Lyme early on?
Not always. In the first few weeks, antibody levels may not be high enough to detect. Doctors sometimes diagnose based on symptoms alone, especially with a clear erythema migrans rash.
What about chronic Lyme or co-infections?
Chronic Lyme (also called PTLDS) or co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella can complicate diagnosis and recovery. Dr. Jordan is experienced in evaluating and treating these conditions as part of a holistic plan.
How to make an appointment with Dr. Angela Jordan
You can schedule your evaluation and Lyme disease care with Dr. Angela Jordan through the Reveal Vitality website or by calling their Sarasota office directly. Their team will help you with intake paperwork, lab testing, and treatment planning so you can get on the path to feeling better as quickly as possible.
Dr. Angela Jordan: Professional Bio
Dr. Angela Jordan, DNP, FNP-BC, ACLM, RN, is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of diverse healthcare experience, ranging from emergency and trauma care to chronic illness management.
She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Florida State University, graduating summa cum laude, and holds certification in Lifestyle Medicine through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Jordan is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
A lifelong resident of Manatee County, she began her healthcare career at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Dr. Jordan specializes in functional and root-cause medicine, working with patients facing chronic illnesses, Lyme disease, hormone and thyroid imbalances, and even integrative cancer support.
Dr. Jordan’s practice at Reveal Vitality merges conventional Lyme testing and treatment with nutrition, lifestyle modification, advanced supplements, and holistic care principles. She is committed to helping her patients recover fully and live healthier lives, not just manage symptoms.
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Reveal Vitality was birthed out of a passion to change how you approach your health. Instead of just treating symptoms in isolation as they arise, we develop a comprehensive wellness plan for our patients and then help them implement it. Our goal is to help our patients be healthier and live longer.
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