Recently, we at PatientWorthy told you why checking for ticks is the most important thing for you to do this summer, and the proper way to make ticks pull out if/when you do find one. But in addition to checking for/removing ticks ASAP, it’s important to see your doctor and get tested for Lyme disease if you’ve been in an area where it’s prevalent.

DID YOU KNOW however, that even if you’re tested for Lyme disease and the results are negative, that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have it?

 

The Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva has recently asked its members to contact their delegates and Maryland state senators in support of House Bill 399. If passed, the bill would require healthcare providers to inform patients that a negative Lyme disease test doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have the disease.

You might be wondering how someone could receive a “false negative.” Well, diagnostic tests are sometimes performed before antibodies have had a chance to develop in the body of a potential patient. If symptoms of Lyme disease appear–EVEN AFTER A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT–it’s important to seek medical attention right away!

A year ago, TIME reported that the number of counties in the United States with high incidences of Lyme disease has increased 320%, partially because of climate change. So PLEASE, folks: don’t just search for ticks and remove them, don’t just get tested, but do those things and also KNOW THE SYMPTOMS!

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Did diagnostic tests indicate that you didn’t have Lyme when you actually DID? Share how you were able to get an accurate diagnosis with PatientWorthy’s Lyme Disease Community by leaving a comment below!