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Symptoms

Signs and stages

Lyme disease symptoms The Lyme rash Stages of Lyme disease Symptoms in women Lyme in children

When it spreads

Neurological Lyme Lyme and the face Lyme and the eyes Lyme arthritis Lyme carditis

Co-infections

Co-infections chart Babesiosis Anaplasmosis Ehrlichiosis Powassan virus Bartonella

Ticks

Know your ticks

Types of ticks (ID guide)Ticks that carry Lyme Blacklegged (deer) tick Lone star tick American dog tick Seed ticks

After a bite

Tick bite: what to do First 72 hours checklist How long must a tick be attached?Should you test the tick?

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Lyme disease tests Prepare for your doctor visit IDSA vs ILADS guidelines Is Lyme autoimmune?

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Long-term Lyme, explained Is chronic Lyme real?Post-treatment Lyme (PTLDS)Untreated Lyme, years later Lyme and life expectancy

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Home/How to beat Lyme/Checklist

Checklist

The Beat Lyme checklist

51 practical steps to beat Lyme, from the trail to recovery. Tick them off as you go: your progress is saved in this browser, and you can print the list.

By the Beat Lyme editorial teamChecked against CDC guidance and our sourced guidesUpdated October 11, 2026Not medical advice

0 of 51 done

1

Prevent it

About this step

Check how common Lyme is in your state and anywhere you travelLearn more →
Learn which ticks spread Lyme, and which don’tLearn more →
Know the places ticks wait: leaf litter, woodland edges, brushLearn more →
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when you head outdoorsLearn more →
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, or buy pre-treated gearLearn more →
Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against plantsLearn more →
Tumble-dry outdoor clothes on high heat when you get homeLearn more →
Shower within two hours of coming insideLearn more →
Do a full-body tick check after time outdoorsLearn more →
Check your kids every day, including the scalp and behind the earsLearn more →
Clear leaf litter and keep the lawn mowedLearn more →
Put a wood-chip or gravel border between your lawn and the woodsLearn more →
Ask your vet about tick prevention for your petsLearn more →
Pack repellent and tweezers when you travelLearn more →

2

Act fast after a bite

About this step

Remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezersLearn more →
Clean the bite and your handsLearn more →
Write down the date and where you were, and photograph the tickLearn more →
Save the tick in a sealed bag or containerLearn more →
Ask a provider within 72 hours whether preventive treatment makes sense for youLearn more →
Watch for a rash, fever or aches for the next 30 daysLearn more →

3

Recognize the signs

About this step

Learn what the Lyme rash looks like (it often isn’t a bullseye)Learn more →
Know the early symptoms: fever, chills, headache, tiredness, achesLearn more →
Know the later signs that can affect joints, nerves and the heartLearn more →
Take dated photos of any rashLearn more →
Know how Lyme can look in childrenLearn more →
Know when symptoms need urgent careLearn more →

4

Get diagnosed

About this step

Write a simple timeline of your symptomsLearn more →
Note any tick exposure and recent travel for your providerLearn more →
Bring your questions to the appointmentLearn more →
Know that blood tests can be negative in the first few weeksLearn more →
Ask what follow-up is plannedLearn more →

5

Treat it and recover

About this step

Take your antibiotic exactly as prescribed, for the full courseLearn more →
Ask your pharmacist about food, supplements and antacids with your antibioticLearn more →
Protect your skin from the sun if your antibiotic causes sun sensitivityLearn more →
Know what a normal recovery can look likeLearn more →
Track any lingering symptoms and share them with your providerLearn more →
Read both sides of the chronic Lyme debate before choosing treatmentsLearn more →

6

Live well with Lyme

About this step

Talk to someone if you feel low or anxious (call or text 988 in a crisis)Learn more →
Pace your energy and protect your sleepLearn more →
Ask about workplace accommodations if you need themLearn more →
Talk to the school about support if your child is affectedLearn more →
Know how to appeal an insurance denialLearn more →
Be wary of expensive, unproven treatments with big upfront feesLearn more →
Be cautious with very restrictive diets, and ask a dietitianLearn more →
Tell the people close to you how they can helpLearn more →

7

Learn and connect

About this step

Learn the basics of Lyme diseaseLearn more →
Check common myths against the factsLearn more →
Look up confusing terms in the glossaryLearn more →
Find a support group or organizationLearn more →
Follow research newsLearn more →
Share your story to help someone elseLearn more →

This checklist is general information, not medical advice. Your own provider knows your situation best. Every step links to a guide with its sources. Want the reasoning behind each step? See how to beat Lyme, step by step.

Key sources: CDC: Preventing tick bites · CDC: What to do after a tick bite · CDC: Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease · CDC: Treatment

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Not medical advice. Beat Lyme shares general information and personal experiences for education only. We are not doctors and we do not diagnose, treat or recommend treatment for anyone. If you think you have Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness, talk to a licensed healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.