Lyme guide
Ticks, bites and Lyme: what to know
Ticks live in grass, bracken and woodland, including parks and gardens. Most bites are harmless. Knowing the signs, and when a test can help, makes the difference.
Call 112 or 999
Sudden face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech. Chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness. A severe headache with a stiff neck and fever.
See a GP today
A spreading red rash after a bite. New weakness on one side of the face. Numbness or shooting pains. An irregular heartbeat. A hot, swollen joint.
Guides
- Urgent signsWhen to get urgent helpSome symptoms after a bite need care today, not a test. Know which ones.Reviewed November 2026
- After a biteWhat to do after a tick biteMost bites are harmless. Remove the tick, log the bite and know the signs to watch for.Reviewed November 2026
- TestingHow Lyme testing worksA screen first, then a confirmation if needed. Why timing matters more than people think.Reviewed November 2026
- TestingUnderstanding your resultWhat Not detected, Borderline and Detected mean, and what happens next.Reviewed November 2026
Had a bite and now feel unwell?
A home test, reviewed by a clinician, timed around your bite.