Start here
Not sure where to begin? Choose the situation that sounds most like yours. Each card points you to the most useful pages on this site, and to NHS and government sources where they matter most.
Get urgent help for chest pain, fainting, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, severe breathlessness, confusion, yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, or a severe headache with a stiff neck. In the UK call 999 in an emergency, or NHS 111 for urgent advice. In the US call 911.
If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, you do not have to cope alone. Call Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK), or call or text 988 (US).
Where are you right now?
I’ve found a tick
- Remove it as soon as you can, using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. Grip it as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upwards, without squeezing or twisting.
- Wash the area with soap and water. Don’t use petroleum jelly, alcohol or burning to make it let go.
- Keep an eye on the area. If you feel well, you don’t need to see a doctor.
- If you get a round or oval rash or flu-like symptoms within 3 months, ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111, and mention the tick.
I’m unwell and I don’t know why
- Write down your symptoms and when they started. A daily log shows patterns your doctor can use.
- Look up which symptoms are described for Lyme, Bartonella and Babesia. Many overlap, so this can’t tell you what you have.
- Not everyone notices a tick bite, and about 1 in 3 people with Lyme don’t notice a rash. Tell your GP about any time in woods or long grass.
I’ve been told I have Lyme, Bartonella or Babesia
- Read what is described for each infection, and how they can occur together.
- Learn the words your clinician uses.
- Before you start, stop or change anything, including herbs and supplements, check for interactions with your medicines and talk to your clinician.
My tests were negative but I’m still ill
- Blood tests can be negative in the early stages of Lyme, so a negative result doesn’t always settle the question.
- Keep going back to your doctor. Ask what else could explain your symptoms, and whether any further tests are appropriate.
- Keep your symptom diary. It is the most useful thing to bring, and you are not the first person to be in this position.
I can’t work and money is tight
- Check what you may be entitled to, such as sick pay and benefits. Some means-tested benefits take savings and investments into account.
- Free, impartial money guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
- Our Investing for Income page explains monthly income funds neutrally. It is information only, not advice.
I want to connect, or I’m supporting someone
- Share The Lyme journey comic. It shows, in a few minutes, the path many people describe.
- Add your diagnosis to the registry to help show patterns. It is for members, and only combined totals are shown.
- See how other members said they were diagnosed in our poll.
If you think you may have Lyme: five first steps
- Write down what is happening and when. A daily log shows patterns that help your doctor. Open the Health Tracker
- Note any tick bite, time outdoors or rash. Not everyone notices a bite, so mention time in woods, heath or long grass even if you do not remember one.
- See your GP promptly, with your list. Say clearly if you may have been exposed to ticks. Ask which tests are appropriate and what else could explain your symptoms.
- Understand what tests can and cannot tell you. A classic spreading rash is treated without waiting for a test. With symptoms but no rash, doctors in England are advised to send a blood sample, and results can be negative early on. UKHSA: how Lyme is diagnosed and treated
- Keep getting medical care while you read and research. Don’t start or stop prescribed medicines without your clinician, and check herbs and supplements for interactions first. Check contraindications
All the tools
Information only, not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare professional. Last reviewed October 2026. Sources: NHS, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), CDC, GOV.UK and MoneyHelper.