Lyme Testing, Co-Infections, and Tick Bites: What You Need to Know in Colorado and New York
As summer unfolds and outdoor adventures call, it’s important to stay informed about the risks of tick bites—especially in regions like Colorado and New York, where tick-borne illnesses are increasingly common. While Lyme disease is the most well-known, many people don’t realize that ticks can carry other infections, too. Accurate testing, early awareness, and prompt action can make a big difference.
Lyme & Co-Infections: Beyond the Bull’s-Eye Rash
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks. They are the tiny black ticks the size of a seed (unless engorged after a feeding). While the classic “bull’s-eye” rash is often associated with Lyme, not everyone develops it. Symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, fever, headaches, and brain fog—often mistaken for other conditions. In addition, ticks may carry co-infections like Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Testing: Why Timing and Labs Matter
Standard Lyme testing through major labs often misses early infections or chronic cases. Functional and integrative medicine providers frequently use more comprehensive panels through specialty labs like IGeneX, Vibrant America, or Galaxy Diagnostics, which can test for multiple co-infections and different species of Borrelia. Early and accurate testing helps guide effective treatment and avoid long-term complications.
Regional Differences: Colorado vs. New York
In New York, Lyme is endemic—particularly in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and parts of upstate NY. Tick activity begins in early spring and peaks in the summer. In Colorado, Lyme disease is less common, but tick-borne illnesses like Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tularemia are more prevalent. That said, people in Colorado who have traveled or camped in high-risk Lyme regions (like the Northeast or Midwest) should be evaluated with that exposure in mind.
Bitten? Save the Tick!
If you’ve been bitten, remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers (close to the skin) and store it in a sealed bag or small container—ideally with a moist paper towel to keep it from drying out. You can send the tick to labs such as TickReport (UMass) or Ticknology (Colorado) to find out if it was carrying Lyme or other pathogens. Knowing what the tick was carrying can be invaluable for early and targeted treatment.
Final Thoughts
Tick-borne illness is often under-diagnosed and misunderstood. Whether you’re hiking in the Rockies or spending time in the Hudson Valley, being tick-aware and proactive about testing can help you stay healthy. If you suspect a tick bite or experience unusual symptoms after one, consult a provider trained in recognizing and treating tick-borne disease.
At Tendwell, we offer integrative, functional evaluations and specialty testing to help you navigate tick-borne illness with clarity and care.
Make an appointment today for a free consultation to find out more.