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Home / Lyme Disease Education Resources / How to Distinguish the Signs & Symptoms of Acute Lyme Disease from COVID-19?

How to Distinguish the Signs & Symptoms of Acute Lyme Disease from COVID-19?

May 7, 2020 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 between these infections.

Similar Flu-Like Symptoms:

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

Differences

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

  • Large expanding red round rash
  • Neck and joint pain

Signs and symptoms present in COVID-19 but not typical in 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 Lyme Disease or COVID-19 will get a rash but when present a rash can be an important distinguishing feature for aiding early diagnosis.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month Information


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

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The Path to Better Diagnostic Tests is Through Innovative Research

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Filed Under: Lyme Disease Awareness, Lyme Disease Education Resources Tagged With: Johns Hopkins 2020 Lyme Disease Awareness Campaign

Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

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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All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center website is intended for educational purposes only. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.

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