Throughout the years, ticks are known to carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause certain diseases. The bites delivered by these pests often spread transmittable conditions to humans. The conditions caused by ticks include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and Southern tick-associated rash illness, ehrlichiosis, Q fever and relapsing fever. It is important to note that these diseases can trigger a variety of flu-like symptoms that can make diagnosis difficult. The laboratory testing usually provides a diagnosis to ensure the early delivery of appropriate treatment.
Headache
All tick-borne ailments on humans can be accompanied by varying severity of headaches. It is reported that harsh headaches usually manifest among those who have Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, Q fever and babesiosis. Take note that relapsing fever often includes indications of meningitis such as stiff neck, aversion to bright light and confusion.
Fever
It is important to note that fever is the unifying characteristic of tick-borne illnesses in humans. Fevers that are linked with Lyme disease are usually low-grade. As for Q fever, relapsing fever and babesiosis, they can cause high fever usually reaching up to 104 to 105 degrees F. Excessive sweating and chills often accompany high fever. In some cases, Colorado tick fever, babesiosis and relapsing fever can cause a pattern of relapsing fever with high fever for several days followed by an interval without fever and then the return of high fever.
Body aches
Just like with flu, muscle and joint aches can occur with tick-borne illnesses. The muscle aches regularly occur with ehrlichiosis, Southern-associated rash illness, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, Colorado tick fever and relapsing fever. Take note that the joint aches are quite evident with Lyme disease.
Fatigue and malaise
Fatigue and malaise typically occur with tick-borne illnesses. The severity of the condition correlates to the level of fatigue and malaise. The tick-borne conditions that are likely to cause profound malaises include tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, Colorado tick fever, Q fever and relapsing fever.
Cough
Dry cough can be an initial symptom of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and tularemia. The progression to pneumonia along with the production of phlegm and shortness of breath can develop with Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever and tularemia.
Sore throat
In most cases, sore throat can also occur with some of the tick-borne illnesses. Always bear in mind that sore throat is a possible indicative complaint with Q fever and tularemia.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Always bear in mind that nausea and vomiting usually occur in Colorado tick fever, Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. In some cases, the abdominal pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The diarrhea often occurs with Q fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you want to learn how to manage these symptoms, click here.