Many people wonder if their unexplained joint pain, fatigue or muscle pain is due to Lyme disease. In fact, the symptoms of Lyme disease can often be confused with a variety of conditions, from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) to fibromyalgia.

IDSA and its 12,000 members care about patients; that's why we want more research on Lyme disease.

As physicians, we want to provide the safest, most effective, evidence-based care. Due to the nature of Lyme disease, this comes with a unique set of challenges:

• Lyme symptoms are sometimes difficult to spot, especially in the early stages. Not everyone gets the telltale “bulls’-eye” rash, and some may dismiss their symptoms for months or even years and not bother to see the doctor.
• Studies show that more than 50% of the time, what is initially diagnosed as Lyme disease turns out to be something else entirely. In one case, a woman who was treated for “Lyme disease” for six months turned out to have ALS. The CDC estimates that roughly 300,000 out of approximately 327 million Americans contract Lyme disease each year. It is important to note that 95% of the cases of Lyme disease occur in just 14 states. 
• There’s still much research to be done on Lyme disease and many questions remain unanswered. Any time there’s a gap in medical research, experimental treatments tend to crop up.
• When patients struggle with ongoing symptoms that impact their quality of life, they may follow an inappropriate and even potentially dangerous path of medical treatment. The truth is, if Lyme is diagnosed correctly, antibiotics start working within 48 hours. Lasting symptoms often turn out to be due to something other than Lyme disease.
• Roughly 10% of patients struggle with ongoing symptoms after treatment for Lyme disease. 
• Physicians have to debunk a large amount of misinformation. Lyme disease has been a popular topic for media coverage, not all of it accurate, or grounded in science.

We still have questions and are advocating for more research into tick-borne diseases. In the meantime, we have released Lyme disease guidelines to promote safe, effective, proven treatment.

About The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) represents more than 12,000 physicians, scientists and other health care professionals who specialize in infectious diseases – illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Some infectious diseases, like influenza, are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person. Other infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, are not transmitted person to person. 

IDSA’s purpose is to improve your health and that of your community and the country at large. We work towards this goal by providing education about infectious diseases and how to prevent them. We promote excellence in patient care, research, and public health. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

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