Lyme Disease in Kids: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
| Year | Cases of Lyme Disease in Children (0-19 years old) |
| 2016 | 9,072 |
| 2017 | 10,157 |
| 2018 | 10,937 |
| 2019 | 10,194 |
| 2020 | 8,554 |
| 2021 (Preliminary) | 8,229 |
Getting the Hang of Kids’ Tick-Borne Illness
This illness is an infectious one, brought on by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, passed on to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Kids, just like grown-ups, can catch this disease if they come into contact with these infected ticks, usually found in forested and grassy spots.
| Symptom | Percentage of Children with Lyme Disease Who Experience This Symptom |
| Fever | 70% |
| Headache | 60% |
| Fatigue | 55% |
| Aching muscles and joints | 50% |
| Rash (erythema migrans) | 30% |
| Swollen lymph nodes | 30% |
| Chills | 25% |
| Nausea and vomiting | 20% |
| Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) | 5% |
| Arthritis | 5% |
Fever:
A common early sign of this kiddo’s tick-related illness is usually a mild fever. This fever might not stick around all the time and sometimes, it might bring along some shivers.
Skin Rash:
You know that unique round rash folks sometimes get after a tick bite? That’s called erythema migrans (EM). It usually shows up anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the bite. The size can change and it might look like a bull’s-eye. But remember, not everyone with this condition will have that rash.
Fatigue:
Kids dealing with this condition might feel super wiped out. This can really mess with their day-to-day stuff and even bring down their mood.
Headache:
Kids often get a lot of headaches, some pretty bad ones too, as an early sign of that tick-related condition.
Muscle and Joint Pain:
Children may complain of muscle and joint pain, which can sometimes be mistaken for growing pains.
Swollen Lymph Nodes:
Neurological Symptoms:
Sometimes, that bug bite thing can mess with your nerves, causing stuff like a pins-and-needles feeling, loss of feeling, and trouble focusing.
Sleep Disturbances:
You know, when you’re dealing with that bug bite thing, it can really mess with your shut-eye, making it tough to hit the hay and stay in dreamland.
Cognitive Issues:
Kids who’ve got that tick-borne illness might find themselves having a tough time with stuff like remembering things and thinking straight.
Diagnosis
Figuring out if a kiddo’s got that tick-related sickness can be a real head-scratcher, ’cause the symptoms can look a lot like other stuff kids often come down with. To get to the bottom of it, doctors might:
- Take a good look at the youngster’s health history and what they’ve been up to outside lately.
- Give ’em a once-over to check for that telltale skin issue and other signs.
- Run some blood work to see if there are antibodies to the bacteria that causes the disease.
It’s super important for moms and dads to give the doc as much info as they can about what’s been going on with their kid and any chance they might’ve run into ticks. This can really help with figuring out what’s up.
Treatment
| Stage of Lyme Disease | Antibiotic Treatment |
| Early Stage (localized) | We’re gonna start with Amoxicillin for about 14 days. |
| Early Stage (spread out) | The doc will probably go with Doxycycline or Amoxicillin, and you’ll be on it for 21 days. |
| Late Stage (with joint issues) | Here, we’re looking at Amoxicillin, Cefotaxime, or Ceftriaxone for about 28 days. |
| Late Stage (with brain or nerve issues) | The treatment here is usually Ceftriaxone or Penicillin G, and it’s gonna last between 2 to 4 weeks. |
Doxycycline:
This antibiotic is effective in older children and adolescents but is not recommended for children under 8 years of age due to the risk of teeth discoloration.
Amoxicillin:
Amoxicillin is often used for children under 8 years of age and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Cefuroxime:
Another antibiotic option, particularly for children with more severe symptoms.
Besides the antibiotic regimen, it’s super important for kiddos dealing with this tick-related illness to catch plenty of Z’s and keep their hydration game strong. You can also count on some over-the-counter meds to help keep things like fevers and aches in check.
Hospital and Doctor Details
If y’all folks are lookin’ for some help and advice for your kiddos, there’s a whole bunch of hospitals and experts all over the U.S. ready to tackle that pesky tick-borne illness in children.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Website: Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts)
Website: Boston Children’s Hospital
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Website: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio)
Website: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
It’s a good idea to have a chat with a kiddo’s disease expert or a doc who knows their way around tick-borne illnesses in children. They can whip up a custom care plan and give y’all the right advice for your little one’s specific needs.
Keeping the Kiddos Safe
Remember, it’s always better to stop trouble before it starts. Here’s a few things y’all can do to keep your little ones safe:
- Teach ’em about the importance of being aware of those pesky bugs and checking for ’em after they’ve been playing outside.
- Get ’em to use bug sprays with DEET.
- Have ’em wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep their skin covered up.
- Make sure to check your kiddos regularly for any bugs, especially if you’re in an area where they’re known to hang out.
Conclusion
Alrighty then, here’s the scoop. When it comes to this kiddo bug bite illness, catching it early and getting it treated ASAP makes a world of difference. Being in the know about the signs, getting your little one checked out by a doc without delay, and taking steps to dodge those pesky bugs can shield your kiddo from the risks tied to this illness. If you reckon your child might have caught this bug, don’t beat around the bush. Get in touch with a healthcare pro for a thorough check-up and treatment game plan. Nothing’s more important than your child’s health and happiness, you hear?
Here are some valuable resources and referrals for parents in the United States:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Website: American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP is a goldmine of info on kiddo health and growth, packed with guidelines, articles, and resources just for parents.
CDC’s Parent Portal:
Website: CDC – Parents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has got a special corner just for parents. It’s packed with info on keeping your kiddos safe, handy parenting hacks, and health advice you can trust.
Parenting.com:
Website: Parenting
Parenting.com is your online guide, loaded with articles and pro tips on all things parenting, from expecting a baby to raising a toddler. It’s like having a parenting manual at your fingertips!
HealthyChildren.org (by the AAP):
Website: HealthyChildren.org
HealthyChildren.org is a top-notch go-to for moms and dads. It’s packed with info on your kiddo’s health, growth, and safety, all given the thumbs up by the pros at the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s like having a pediatrician in your pocket!
National Parent Helpline:
Website: National Parent Helpline
The National Parent Helpline is there for all the moms and dads out there. It’s totally free and private. They’ve got a bunch of resources and help for those tough times. Remember, you’re not alone in this parenting journey!
Parenting Magazines:
Local Parenting Support Groups and Organizations:
A whole bunch of neighborhoods have local parent backup groups, which can be a top-notch way to link up with other moms and dads and tap into local resources. Scout around for parent support groups and outfits in your neck of the woods.
Keep in mind, these go-to guides can dish out a heap of info and backup for folks in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Whether you’re on the hunt for pointers on your kiddo’s health, growth, or just some good old-fashioned parenting advice, these recommendations can be a goldmine of help and direction.
