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Home / Lyme Disease Awareness / How to Distinguish the Symptoms of Acute Lyme Disease and Acute COVID-19

How to Distinguish the Symptoms of Acute Lyme Disease and Acute COVID-19

May 11, 2021 By Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Although many of the early “flu-like” symptoms of COVID-19 and Lyme disease are similar, there are important differences that can help distinguish the acute presentations of these infections.

Similar Flu-Like Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body/muscle aches and pains
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise
  • Sweats
  • Headache

Differences

Signs and symptoms present in acute Lyme Disease but not typical in acute COVID-19:

  • Large expanding red round rash
  • Neck and joint pain

Signs and symptoms present in acute COVID-19 but not typical in acute Lyme Disease:

  • Respiratory issues
    • Dry cough
    • Shortness of Breath
    • Pain of pressure in the chest
    • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea
  • Nasal congestion
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Diffuse rash or “COVID toes” that look similar to frost bite

Not everyone with acute Lyme Disease or COVID-19 will get a rash, but when it’s present a rash can be an important distinguishing feature for aiding early diagnosis.

Suspicious Rash or Flu-Like Symptoms?

If you have a suspicious expanding red circular rash and/or flu-like symptoms such as fever, achiness, extreme fatigue, severe headache or neckache, this could be acute Lyme disease. Please seek medical care immediately.

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Filed Under: Lyme Disease Awareness Tagged With: Johns Hopkins 2021 Lyme Disease Awareness Campaign

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Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center is focused on patient-based research in all manifestations of Lyme disease. Our goal is to translate our pioneering research into improved patient care, education, and health outcomes.

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