How do people get Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by a microscopic bacteria that is transmitted by the bite of deer ticks and western black-legged ticks. Generally, a tick has to remain attached to your skin for an average of 36 to 48 hours to pass the Lyme disease pathogen to the human host. Lyme disease is a relatively uncommon infection (in the UK) but it has recently started to occur more frequently. People who walk in the countryside, especially those walking through grass, rough vegetation or wild areas such as heathland, are more at risk. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of Lyme disease are often confused with flu and rheumatoid arthritis. Within three days to one month after a bite from an infected tick, early symptoms of Lyme disease may include: Headache Chills and fever Muscle and joint pain Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes A red rash Some Lyme disease symptoms can appear in weeks, months, or even years after a bite from an infected tick. These symptoms include: Brief arthritic pain and swelling in larger joints, such as in the knee. Nervous system abnormalities, such as numbness, pain, partial paralysis of facial muscles, and meningitis. Irregular heart rhythm. Tip for protection - For the best protection against ticks, we recommend Autan range which provides reliable protection. - There are also several effective, common-sense steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, click here for tips for prevention. Tip on removing a tick Use a pair of tweezers to grip the tick head as close to the skin as possible (without crushing it) and pull it directly out. Do not remove ticks with petroleum jelly or hot objects, such as matches or cigarettes as this can increase the change of a host tick injecting you with dangerous bacteria. Top of page