Anyone suffering from headaches and tiredness issued disease 'overlap' warning

Anyone suffering from headaches and tiredness issued disease 'overlap' warning GP has shared a health alert for anyone suffering common symptoms this summer to not mistake them as 'normal' With more people spending time outdoors in the ongoing hot weather, a GP is urging them not to automatically put headaches, fatigue or feeling feverish down to the heat. The health expert warns that some of the same symptoms can 'overlap' and occur in the early stages of Lyme disease. The two conditions can share some early symptoms, making Lyme disease easier to overlook during the summer, particularly when someone has recently spent time outdoors. Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing her tips on the key differences between heat exhaustion and Lyme disease and when symptoms after time outdoors may need medical attention rather than simply being put down to the heat. What is the difference between Lyme disease and heat exhaustion? Dr Rupa Parmar said headaches, fatigue, feverishness, and muscle discomfort can occur with both conditions. However, the circumstances in which symptoms develop can help people decide when to seek medical advice. "Some early symptoms of Lyme disease overlap with those people may experience after spending too long in the heat," she said. "A headache, tiredness, a raised temperature and aching muscles can occur with both, so it’s important to consider when the symptoms began and what else you are experiencing. "Heat exhaustion normally develops during or soon after exposure to hot weather or strenuous activity. Excessive sweating, pale or clammy skin, intense thirst, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and a fast pulse or breathing rate are all signs that the body may be struggling to cool itself." The GP added that if someone is experiencing possible heat exhaustion, it’s important to move to a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, cool the skin, and drink fluids. They should begin to feel better within around 30 minutes. She also said that if someone remains unwell after 30 minutes, or develops confusion, very hot skin, a very high temperature, a seizure or loss of consciousness, call 999, "as these can be signs of heatstroke". An improvement in symptoms after cooling down and drinking fluids means it’s more likely to be heat exhaustion. What is the timeline of Lyme disease? She continued: "Lyme disease follows a different timeline. Symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after a walk, picnic, gardening, or other time spent around vegetation. It’s easy not to connect feeling unwell with where they have been, which can make the infection easier to overlook" A circular or oval rash that gradually spreads can be an early sign of Lyme disease. It’s commonly called a bullseye rash. The rash may be evenly coloured, and it can be harder to see on brown or black skin. The doctor said: "It’s also important to remember that not everyone develops or notices a rash. Ticks can be extremely small, and their bites are not usually painful, so some people with Lyme disease have no memory of being bitten. "Ticks generally attach in warm, hidden areas, including behind the ears and knees, around the hairline, under the arms, around the waist and groin, and between the legs. So, check skin, but also clothing and belongings after spending time outdoors, particularly after walking through long grass or wooded areas." How do symptoms of both conditions overlap? - Headaches: Caused by dehydration and strain in heat exhaustion, and by inflammatory immune responses in Lyme disease. - Fatigue: Low electrolytes and fluid in the heat, and from the body fighting a bacterial infection in Lyme disease. - Feverishness: Higher body temperature caused by either hot weather or a fever/chills from the immune system. - Muscle discomfort: Cramps or weakness from heat strain and generalised aches or joint pain from Lyme disease. What are the distinguishing signs? Indicators of heat exhaustion include Heavy sweating, pale, clammy skin, extreme thirst, and a direct correlation with hot environments or intense exertion. Indicators of Lyme disease include: History of a tick bite, development of a characteristic expanding circular or "bullseye" rash (erythema migrans), and chills without necessarily being in a hot environment. What should you do if you find a tick on your skin? Dr Parmar says that if you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as you can and pull slowly and firmly upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush its body. Clean the bite area afterwards with antiseptic or soap and water. "Do not try to burn the tick or cover it with petroleum jelly, alcohol or nail varnish," she stressed. "These methods may irritate it and could increase the chance of infected material passing into the skin. "Finding a tick does not mean you will develop Lyme disease, as not every tick carries the infection. However, you should monitor the area and pay attention to how you feel over the following weeks." She added: "If you develop a spreading circular or oval rash or experience persistent flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain or joint discomfort after possible tick exposure, contact your GP. Tell them where you have recently spent time, even if you didn’t see a tick or notice a bite. "Most symptoms after a hot day outdoors will not be Lyme disease, but any that persist after cooling and hydration shouldn’t be automatically blamed on the weather. Being aware of the timing and checking for ticks can help people seek the right support sooner."