What is the recommended treatment for early Lyme disease?

The recommended treatment for early Lyme disease is antibiotics. Early Lyme disease, which is typically characterized by the presence of a distinct rash known as erythema migrans and sometimes flu-like symptoms, responds well to antibiotic therapy. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil. These medications are effective in eliminating the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which cause Lyme disease, thus preventing the progression of the disease to more severe stages that can affect the joints, heart, or nervous system.

The other treatment options are not appropriate in this context. Surgery is not a treatment for Lyme disease, as the condition is infectious in nature rather than structural. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that may help alleviate some symptoms, such as pain or fever, but it does not address the underlying infection. Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections and are ineffective against a bacterial infection like Lyme disease. Thus, the use of antibiotics is crucial for effectively managing early Lyme disease and ensuring proper recovery.