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Health Information and Tools >  Tick Bites: Flu-Like Symptoms
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Tick Bites: Flu-Like Symptoms

Overview

Many of the diseases ticks pass to humans can cause flu-like symptoms, including:

  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle aches (myalgia).
  • A general feeling of illness (malaise).
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Diseases ticks may pass to humans include:

  • Lyme disease. Symptoms usually start 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite, with up to 90% of people developing an expanding, circular red skin rash.
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms usually start about 2 to 14 days after the tick bite.
  • Tularemia. Symptoms usually start within 21 days (but average 1 to 10 days) after the tick bite or other exposure.
  • Ehrlichiosis. Symptoms usually start from 1 to 21 days (average of 7 days) after the tick bite.
  • Relapsing fever. Symptoms usually start 3 to 11 days (average of 6 days) after the tick bite.
  • Colorado tick fever. Symptoms usually start within 14 days (average of 3 to 6 days) of the tick bite.
  • Babesiosis. Symptoms usually start 1 to 6 weeks after the tick bite.

In some parts of the world, tick bites may cause other tick-borne diseases, such as South African tick-bite fever.

A doctor can evaluate the cause of your flu-like symptoms and recommend treatment.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.