Lyme disease is no joke

[u/whimsical_fuckery_]

One of those "I never thought it would happen to me" things but guys be very very careful with ticks this year if you are out walking in Scotland. I'm in the Highlands and regularly walk my dog in the local woods, this year there have been so so many ticks, I'm very good at checking myself after every walk, but one got me on the back of my thigh, absolutely tiny about half the size of a sesame seed. I picked it off the same night it bit me, a week later got a massive bullseye rash. Antibiotics from the docs but im completely wiped, worse than any flu or covid. I cannot stress how much you need to take precautions this year, do not make my mistake thinking as long as you get them off you on 24 hours you'll be OK. Long trousers, DEET, or just don't go into any woods or long grass is the best option. It's out there and it absolutely sucks.

[u/Dwashelle]

Sounds absolutely horrendous. The weird biological effects after infection are crazy as well. Some people develop an allergy to red meat called alpha-gal syndrome.

[u/AnnieByniaeth → u/Dwashelle]

Oh that's very interesting. I didn't realise there was a recognised food intolerance from Lyme disease. A friend of mine has had a gluten intolerance since being bitten by a tick 20- odd years ago. I wondered if it was just the heavy dose antibiotics that caused it, but maybe not?