• Prevention
• Antibiotics for Lyme Disease

Ask your doctor if taking an antibiotic after a tick bite is right for you

Although this is not routinely recommended, it may be beneficial for some persons in areas where Lyme disease is common. The antibiotic used to prevent Lyme disease after a tick bite is not recommended for children less than 8 years of age or for pregnant women. For all other persons, discuss with your health care provider whether the advantages of prescribing an antibiotic after tick bite outweigh the disadvantages.

Taking an antibiotic may be right for you if:

• You are at least 8 years of age and not pregnant.
• You were in an area where Lyme disease is common when you acquired the tick bite. If you are unsure, please look at the dark blue areas on this map.
• The tick was attached for at least one full day.
• It has been less than three days since you removed the tick or since it fell off of you.