Disease & Vaccine A–Z

Diseases beginning with L

U.S.-focused summaries with current official guidance links. For a diagnosis, personal vaccine schedule, pregnancy advice, or urgent symptoms, speak with a qualified clinician.

Lyme Disease

No vaccine available

Disease

A bacterial infection transmitted by infected blacklegged ticks in parts of the United States.

Symptoms

Early illness may cause fever, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and an expanding erythema migrans rash. Later disease can affect the joints, facial nerves, heart rhythm, or nervous system.

Typical duration

Early symptoms often begin 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. Most people recover after recommended antibiotics, although some have symptoms that take longer to improve.

How serious is it?

Untreated infection can cause facial palsy, meningitis-like illness, Lyme carditis, or arthritis. Fainting, chest symptoms, severe headache, weakness, or facial droop needs prompt care.

Treatment & management

Most cases are treated with oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime; the drug and duration depend on age, pregnancy, symptoms, and complications. Some neurologic or cardiac cases need intravenous treatment.

Vaccine: who and when?

No Lyme disease vaccine is currently available for people in the United States. Human vaccine candidates remain under study.

Check the current CDC guidance for Lyme Disease →

Cost and access: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price and program context.

Last reviewed against official U.S. sources: September 5, 2026. This page provides general education, not medical advice.