How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Lyme Disease (Early) - Triage

Audience: adult

Lyme disease is an infection often spread by tick bites. Early symptoms may include a rash, fever, and tiredness. Preparing well for your video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and decide the best next steps. During the visit, you may be asked about your recent activities, any tick exposures, and to show any skin changes. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine appointment, explains what can and cannot be managed through video visits, and highlights warning signs that need urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful way to start care but is not a replacement for in-person visits when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe headache or neck stiffness — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, or confusion — call emergency services without delay.
• High fever that does not improve or rapidly spreading rash — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual inspection of rashes or skin changes via video.
• Advice on tick bite prevention and symptom monitoring.
• Guidance on whether testing or in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or specialized equipment.
• Administering or supervising blood tests or imaging.
• Treating severe symptoms needing emergency intervention.
• Diagnosing or managing advanced Lyme disease complications.

What is Early Lyme Disease?

Early Lyme disease often begins with a red rash that may look like a bull's-eye, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and feeling tired. It usually appears within days to weeks after a tick bite. Not everyone gets the rash, so other symptoms are important to note. Early treatment can help prevent more serious problems later on.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather information about your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed. If you noticed a rash or bite, have a way to show it clearly on camera. Write down any recent outdoor activities where you might have been exposed to ticks. Also, list any medicines you are taking and any allergies you have. Having this information ready will help your healthcare provider assess your situation better.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and exposure history. They may ask you to show any rashes or skin changes on camera. Based on your information, they might recommend testing or treatment, or advise you to seek in-person care. They will also discuss ways to prevent tick bites in the future.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If you experience severe headache, neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness, numbness, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately. These could be signs of serious complications. Also, if your rash is spreading rapidly or you have a high fever that does not improve, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider quickly to discuss your symptoms and get advice. It can help decide if you need antibiotics or further testing. It is especially useful if you cannot easily visit a clinic. However, some situations require in-person exams or urgent care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your video visit.
• Ensure your device camera works and you have a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms with start dates and any changes.
• Have a way to show any skin rash or bite clearly on camera.
• Write down recent outdoor activities and possible tick exposures.
• List all current medications and any allergies.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your healthcare provider's advice on testing or treatment.
• Monitor symptoms closely and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Keep track of your follow-up appointments or tests.
• Practice tick bite prevention measures in the future.

FAQs

Can I be diagnosed with Lyme disease through a video visit?

A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and exposure history via video and may suggest testing or treatment. However, a definitive diagnosis often requires lab tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if I find a tick on my skin?

Remove the tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out. Clean the area with soap and water. Note the date of removal and watch for symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.

How long after a tick bite do symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite, but this can vary. Early signs include rash, fever, headache, and fatigue.

Can Lyme disease be prevented?

Yes, by avoiding tick-infested areas, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking your body for ticks after outdoor activities.

What happens if Lyme disease is not treated early?

If untreated, Lyme disease can cause joint pain, nervous system problems, and heart issues. Early treatment reduces the risk of complications.

Sources

1. Lyme Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Lyme Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Lyme Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Lyme Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.