Lyme Disease: The Hidden Danger in Your Backyard - What Every Family Should Know

Imagine walking through your garden on a beautiful spring afternoon, tending to the flowers you've carefully cultivated. Or picture your children jumping in piles of fall leaves or running through the local park exploring nature during a weekend family hike. These everyday moments—the ones that bring joy and connection to our lives—are also when you're most vulnerable to an invisible threat that's becoming increasingly common in our community. 

At Arbor Health Functional Medicine & Psychiatry, we've witnessed the life-altering impact of undiagnosed Lyme disease firsthand. Once-vibrant individuals who gradually found themselves unable to focus or function. Parents who could no longer keep up with their children. Athletes who suddenly couldn't complete activities they once loved. All wondering what invisible force had stolen their health and vitality. 

We see countless patients whose Lyme disease journey began without the usual telltale signs many associate with this increasingly prevalent infection. That's why we're sharing this vital information about Lyme disease—because your health and the health of your loved ones depends on recognizing a danger that often goes unseen. 

What is Lyme Disease? 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis in the Eastern US and Ixodes pacificus on the Pacific coast). The causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can penetrate various body tissue and evade the immune system. With nearly 500,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, Lyme disease has become the most common vector-borne illness in the country. 

The Invisible Lyme Disease Threat: Understanding Tick Risks in Our Finger Lakes Community 

Ticks carrying Lyme disease pose a serious health risk that many in our Rochester area community underestimate. What makes these tiny arachnids particularly dangerous is their size - nymph (baby) ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, making them nearly impossible to spot on your body.  These nymph ticks are responsible for the majority of Lyme disease cases, as their tiny size allows them to feed undetected while transmitting the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that causes Lyme disease. 

Perhaps most concerning is that 20-30% of patients never develop a rash or Bull’s-eye pattern around the tick bite and even more don’t even recall a tick encounter. Without these obvious warning signs, many people don't seek treatment until the infection has spread throughout their body, making it significantly harder to treat. 

Beyond the Bull’s-Eye: How Do I Know if I have Lyme Disease? 

Lyme disease is often called "The Great Imitator" because its symptoms can mimic many other conditions. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in early detection and treatment success. 

Early Lyme disease is reported most commonly in the spring through fall, with the peak in June, July and August.   

Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease (Days to Weeks After Infection) 

• Flu-like illness (fever, chills, body aches) 

• Fatigue and malaise 

• Headaches and stiff neck 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Muscle or joint pain 

• A discrete pink or red rash known as Erythema Migrans (EM rash) or a Bull’s-eye ring

Later Symptoms of Lyme Disease (Weeks to Months if Untreated) 

• Profound fatigue 

• Severe headaches or neck stiffness 

• Additional rashes on other areas of the body 

• Facial palsy (drooping on one or both sides) 

• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat 

• Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath 

• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord 

• Lightheadedness, fainting 

• Cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment 

• Depression, anxiety, mood changes, and sleep issues 

• Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet 

• Significant joint pain and swelling, particularly in large joints 

• Symptoms that improve temporarily with antibiotics then return 

• A pattern of "good days and bad days" without clear triggers 

Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms (Months to Years) 

• Persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest 

• Cognitive difficulties or "brain fog" 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Neurological problems 

• Mood changes including depression and anxiety 

• Migrating joint and muscle pain 

• GI symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or nausea 

• Symptoms affecting multiple body systems that conventional testing hasn't explained 

If you're experiencing any combination of these symptoms—especially following outdoor activities in wooded or grassy areas—it's important to consult with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about Lyme disease, even if you don't remember a tick bite. 

The Complicated Reality of Lyme Disease: Co-Infections and Testing Challenges 

What many people don't realize is that ticks often carry multiple pathogens. These "co-infections" include Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and others that can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. 

Each co-infection brings its own set of symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches. At Arbor Health Functional Medicine & Psychiatry, we find that patients with persistent symptoms often have one or more co-infections that went undiagnosed during initial treatment. 

The Lyme Testing Dilemma 

Standard Lyme testing available through most primary care offices and hospitals has significant limitations: 

• Low sensitivity: The standard two-tier testing approach (ELISA followed by Western Blot) can miss many actual Lyme cases, with sensitivity rates ranging from only 35-64% depending on disease stage 

• Timing issues: Tests measure antibody response, which takes weeks to develop, leading to false negatives in early infection 

• Strain limitations: Standard tests don't detect all strains of Borrelia or most co-infections 

For more accurate diagnosis, Arbor Health uses advanced lab testing through laboratories like IGeneX, Galaxy, or Vibrant America/Vibrant Wellness, which offer expanded panels that test for multiple Borrelia species and common co-infections with greater sensitivity. 

Additional Functional Medicine testing could include:  

• IgG and IgM Immunoblots with expanded bands 

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing for Borrelia DNA 

• FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) testing 

• Specialized culture techniques 

• T-cell response tests (e.g., EliSpot technologies) 

• Testing for multiple Borrelia species beyond B. burgdorferi 

Found a Tick? Here's What to Do 

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, proper removal and follow-up actions are crucial: 

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible 
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure (don't twist or jerk as this can cause mouthparts to break off) 
3. Clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water 
4. Save the tick in a sealed plastic bag or container with a moist paper towel 
5. Document the date of the tick bite and watch for symptoms 

For an excellent visual guide to tick removal and identification, Dr. Alexis Chesney offers comprehensive resources at www.dralexischesney.com. 

Getting the Tick Tested 

Instead of discarding the tick, consider having it tested to identify if it carries Lyme disease or co-infections. Several laboratories offer this service: 

• TickReport  

• TickCheck 

Testing the tick can provide valuable information about your potential exposure before you even develop symptoms. 

Preventive Treatment Options for Lyme Disease 

If you've been bitten by a tick that was attached for  24 hours or longer, or if the tick tests positive for Lyme disease, you may want to discuss prophylactic treatment with your healthcare provider. 

Conventional Approach to Lyme Disease 

• The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) recommends against the use of a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline for the prevention of Lyme disease. In studies, the efficacy of preventing Lyme Disease with a single dose of doxycycline was <50%.  

• ILADS recommends that known tick bites be treated with at least 20 days of doxycycline (barring any contraindications). 

• Given the low success rates in trials treating EM rashes for 20 or fewer days, ILADS recommends that patients receive 4-6 weeks of doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime. A minimum of 21 days of azithromycin is also acceptable. 

https://www.ilads.org/patient-care/ilads-treatment-guidelines/  

Herbal Alternatives for Lyme Disease  

For those who cannot take doxycycline or prefer natural options, herbal protocols may help reduce infection risk: 

• Andrographis: A powerful herb with antimicrobial properties 

• Japanese Knotweed (Resveratrol): Contains natural compounds that may help prevent Borrelia establishment 

• Cat's Claw: Supports immune function and has anti-inflammatory properties 

Note: Always consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before starting any preventive protocol, herbal or pharmaceutical. 

Chronic Lyme Disease: When the Battle Continues 

For approximately 10-20% of patients, symptoms persist despite standard antibiotic treatment. This condition, sometimes called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome or Chronic Lyme Disease, remains controversial in conventional medicine but is very real to those experiencing it. 

At Arbor Health Functional Medicine & Psychiatry, we recognize that chronic Lyme disease involves multiple root causes beyond the initial infection: 

1. Co-infections Many patients with chronic Lyme symptoms have one or more co-infections that complicate treatment, including: 

• Babesia: A malaria-like parasite that infects red blood cells, causing symptoms like night sweats, air hunger (feeling unable to get a deep breath), and severe fatigue 

• Bartonella: A bacteria that can infect blood vessels and the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms, stretch-mark-like rashes, and psychiatric manifestations 

• Ehrlichia/Anaplasma: Bacteria that infect white blood cells, causing flu-like symptoms, low white blood cell counts, and elevated liver enzymes 

2. Immune System Dysfunction Lyme bacteria can trigger immune dysregulation through several mechanisms: 

• Suppression of specific immune responses that would normally clear the infection 

• Triggering overactive immune responses, including autoimmunity 

• Creating persistent inflammation that damages tissues 

3. Biofilm Formation Borrelia and co-infections can create protective biofilms—communities of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced matrix—making them more resistant to antibiotics and immune system attacks. 
4. Persistent Forms The Lyme bacteria can transform into different forms (spirochetes, round bodies, and biofilm communities) that are less susceptible to standard treatments. 
5. Toxin Accumulation Both internal toxins (from the infection) and environmental toxins can overwhelm the body's detoxification systems, contributing to ongoing symptoms. 
6. Hormonal Disruption The stress of chronic infection often disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormone balance. 
7. Nutritional Deficiencies Chronic infection increases nutritional demands and can lead to significant deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
8. Mitochondrial Dysfunction The cellular energy factories (mitochondria) become damaged, leading to profound fatigue and multi-system dysfunction. 
9. Gut Dysbiosis Disruption of the gut microbiome affects immune function, nutrient absorption, and detoxification, further complicating recovery. 

Understanding these root causes is essential for developing an effective treatment approach that goes beyond simply targeting the infection. Our Functional Medicine approach addresses all these factors with a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that supports your body's natural healing processes. 

What are Common Myths or Misconceptions About Lyme Disease? 

Several persistent myths about Lyme disease can delay proper diagnosis and treatment: 

Myth 1: “A tick needs to be attached for at least 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme Disease.” 

Reality: There is ample evidence showing the risk for transmission with adult ticks begins at 24 hours in mice. But there are no studies showing the minimum attachment time for transmission of Lyme to humans—especially from nymphal ticks. One European study documented six cases of culture-confirmed Lyme disease where tick attachment was less than six hours, and another nine cases where transmission occurred in under 24 hours. 

Myth 2: "You must have a bull's-eye rash to have Lyme disease."  

Reality:  The presence of an erythema migrans (EM) rash is a “classic” indicator of Lyme disease, however the appearance of EM rashes is highly variable. Most EM rashes are solid colored, ranging from faint pink to a deep red. Many patients never develop the rash or may have atypical presentations. 

Myth 3: "A negative Lyme test means you don't have Lyme disease."  

Reality:  Standard testing misses a significant percentage of cases, particularly in early infection or in patients with immune suppression. The conventional two-tier testing approach (ELISA followed by Western Blot) has notable limitations. 

Myth 4: "Two to four weeks of antibiotics always cures Lyme disease."  

Reality:  While early treatment is usually effective, delayed treatment or the presence of co-infections can result in persistent symptoms despite standard antibiotic courses. 

Myth 5: "If you've been treated for Lyme disease but still have symptoms, it must be something else."  

Reality:  Persistent symptoms may indicate ongoing infection, co-infections, immune dysfunction, or other complications related to the original infection. The term "Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome" or "Lyme Infection-Associated Chronic Illness" is now recognized. 

Myth 6: "You can't get Lyme disease in certain regions."  

Reality:  While some areas have higher prevalence, Lyme disease has been reported nationwide and is expanding geographically due to climate change and other factors. 

Myth 7: “You have to live or walk in a wooded area to get Lyme Disease” 

Reality: A person's residence does not necessarily reflect his or her Lyme disease risk. People travel, pets travel, and ticks travel via animals or migratory birds over great distances. This creates a dynamic situation with many opportunities for exposure. 

Myth 8: "Chronic Lyme disease is a made-up condition."  

Reality: Research increasingly supports that Borrelia can persist despite antibiotic treatment in some cases, and multiple peer-reviewed studies document the physiological basis of ongoing symptoms. 

Lyme Disease Prevention: Your Best Defense 

While effective treatments exist, preventing tick bites remains your strongest protection against Lyme disease: 

• Dress defensively: Wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs; tuck pants into socks 

• Use repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus 

• Create tick-safe zones: Keep lawns mowed, remove leaf litter, and create woodchip barriers between wooded areas and lawns 

• Perform daily tick checks: Pay special attention to hidden areas like the scalp, ears, armpits, belly button, waistband, groin, and behind the knees 

• Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors 
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin 

The Functional Medicine Approach to Lyme Disease 

Functional Medicine approaches Lyme disease as a complex, multi-factor condition requiring a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy: 

1. Antimicrobial Protocols 

• Targeted antibiotic therapy based on specific infections identified 

• Herbal antimicrobials that address multiple forms of the bacteria 

• Biofilm disruption strategies 

• Pulsed or combination approaches for persistent infections 

• Specific protocols for each co-infection 

2. Immune System Support and Modulation 

• Addressing both immune deficiency and overactivation 

• Natural killer cell support 

• Cytokine modulation 

• Anti-inflammatory compounds 

• Autoimmunity management 

3. Detoxification Support 

• Enhancing liver detoxification pathways 

• Binding agents to remove bacterial toxins 

• Lymphatic system support 

• Gentle detoxification methods appropriate to each patient's capacity 

4. Nutritional Therapy 

• Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet 

• Targeted supplementation based on identified deficiencies 

• Mitochondrial support for energy production 

• Antioxidant therapy to reduce oxidative stress 

5. Gut Restoration 

• Repairing increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") 

• Rebuilding a healthy microbiome 

• Addressing dysbiosis and SIBO when present 

• Digestive enzyme support when needed 

6. Hormonal Balance 

• Adrenal support for stress resilience 

• Thyroid optimization 

• Sex hormone balance 

• HPA axis regulation 

7. Neurological Support 

• Compounds that support brain health and cognitive function 

• Nerve regeneration support 

• Strategies to reduce neuroinflammation 

• Sleep optimization 

8. Lifestyle Integration 

• Stress management techniques 

• Appropriate movement strategies based on current capacity 

• Sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm support 

• Emotional and psychological support 

Phased Treatment Approach Functional medicine recognizes that recovery occurs in phases, with treatment typically progressing through: 

1. Initial stabilization and symptom support 

1. Addressing fundamental imbalances 

1. Targeted antimicrobial therapy 

1. Deeper healing and system restoration 

1. Maintenance and prevention 

This comprehensive approach acknowledges the interconnected nature of body systems and addresses the full spectrum of factors contributing to illness, rather than focusing solely on eradicating the infection. 

Your Partners in Lyme Disease Prevention and Treatment 

Lyme Disease is a complex bacterial infection that can affect multiple body systems and often involves co-infections that complicate treatment. While conventional approaches focus primarily on antibiotic therapy, Arbor Health Functional Medicine & Psychiatry offers a more comprehensive strategy that addresses not only the infection but also the underlying imbalances that contribute to persistent symptoms. 

Key aspects of our approach include: 

• Comprehensive testing that identifies Lyme disease, co-infections, and related health factors 

• Recognition of the multiple root causes that contribute to chronic symptoms 

• Personalized treatment protocols based on each patient's unique presentation 

• A phased approach that supports the body's natural healing processes 

• Addressing immune dysfunction, inflammation, detoxification challenges, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances 

For patients experiencing persistent symptoms despite standard treatment, or those seeking a more thorough approach from the outset, we offer hope through its systems-oriented, root-cause focus. By combining the best of conventional and integrative medicine, this approach aims to restore optimal health rather than simply managing symptoms. 

If you're struggling with symptoms that may be related to Lyme disease or co-infections, working with a Functional Medicine practitioner experienced in tick-borne illnesses can help you navigate the complex journey toward recovery and create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. 

Remember: Early detection and proper treatment offer the best chance for a complete recovery from Lyme disease. Don't wait to seek help if you're experiencing concerning symptoms, even if you don't recall a tick bite. 

Sources: 

CDC. (2025.) Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research/facts-stats/  

Cook, M.J., & Puri, B.K. (2016). Commercial test kits for detection of Lyme borreliosis: a meta-analysis of test accuracy. International Journal of General Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27920571/  

Huff, Charlotte (2022). American Psychological Association. Unraveling the mystery of Lyme disease. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/06/feature-lyme-disease  

International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. https://www.ilads.org/patient-care/ilads-treatment-guidelines/ 

Lyme Disease Organization. https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/about-lyme/  

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2025). Charting a path toward new treatments for Lyme infection associated chronic illnesses. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28578/charting-a-path-toward-new-treatments-for-lyme-infection-associated-chronic-illnesses   

Project Lyme. (2024). The Impact of Lyme Disease on Mental Health: Understanding the Connection and Seeking Support. https://projectlyme.org/the-impact-of-lyme-disease-on-mental-health-understanding-the-connection-and-seeking-support/  

Steere, A.C. et al. (2016). Lyme Borreliosis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27976670/ 

This Website has been created to provide information about functional health care services and is for general informational purposes regarding functional health care that should never be construed as medical advice for any person, including patients of the Practice. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.