#424: Why a Tick Bite Doesn't Always Mean Lyme Disease with Dr. Jaquel Patterson

Lyme disease is called "the great imitator" because it can look like growing pains, fatigue, or nothing at all and this episode shows you what to watch for.

Steph sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Jacquell Patterson, a nationally recognized expert in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, and PANS/PANDAS to cover everything parents need to know about ticks and Lyme disease. You'll learn which areas to check on your kid's body, why the smallest ticks cause the most infections, and how to tell the difference between growing pains and a tick-borne illness that's being missed. Dr. Patterson also shares her own delayed Lyme disease diagnosis and what she wishes every parent knew before tick season hits.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

Why Tick Season Feels Scarier Than Ever

Why Lyme Disease Is Called "The Great Imitator"

Different Tick Species, Co-Infections, and Testing Gaps

The Bullseye Rash Myth (Only Half of Cases Get One)

Tick Prevention: Clothing, Sprays, and Checks That Work

How Often to Check Kids and Pets for Ticks

What to Do the Moment You Find a Tick

Symptoms to Watch For After a Tick Bite

What Every Parent Gets Wrong About Lyme Disease