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Most people know at least one person who suffers from Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia mayonii. Humans generally contract Lyme disease from the bite of an infected deer tick, also known as a black-legged tick. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that around 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. Lyme can have devastating effects on health and quality of life, but it’s often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Awareness about this illness is vital so people know the proper precautions to take when they’re bitten, and how to be empowered in their treatment choices.
Where you live will most likely factor into how much you know about ticks and the level of precaution you take to prevent getting bitten by one. The reason is simple: while Lyme cases have been documented in all 50 states, there are a handful of hotspots in the Northeast and upper Midwest that require extra caution when going for a walk in tall grass or even caring for your dog. According to the CDC, only 14 states make up 96% of Lyme cases reported to the agency. The disease itself is named after the small town of Lyme, Connecticut, where the first known cases were discovered in 1975.
Ticks tend to gravitate towards dark, hidden crevices of the body—like the groin, underarm, and scalp—making them exceedingly difficult to spot. Oh yeah, and did we forget to mention that one tick can be as small as a single poppy seed? It’s no wonder many people aren’t even aware they’ve been bitten until long after the fact. The key is to stay vigilant, routinely check your body for ticks, and if you do find one, remove it ASAP.
Lyme symptoms typically present as soon as three days to a month after the initial bite, but could take up to several months to appear. Early warning signs include rash and flu-like conditions, while later-stage symptoms range from facial drooping (Bell’s palsy) to irregular heartbeat. It’s important to note that the majority of tick bites don’t lead to Lyme disease, and most of the ones that do are easily treated using antibiotics. Still, some people continue to experience symptoms like brain fog, pain, or fatigue six months after treatment—a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Unfortunately, the medical community doesn’t know much about PTLDS, and why it only affects some patients and not others. The abundance of questions and lack of answers is understandably frustrating for those who are still suffering long after treatment. This is exactly why National Lyme Disease Awareness Month is so important. By spreading the word about Lyme and increasing awareness of the potential risk factors and prevention methods, together we can make room for advancements in treatment and cut down on the number of cases reported each year.
Anyone who is currently suffering from Lyme disease or PTLDS knows the value of being able to take ownership of their own wellness. For some, that means taking small steps and establishing routines that make them feel better on a daily basis. If you’re struggling with low energy, Energy Multiplier is a great way to give your body a boost without the jolts and crashes of coffee. Or maybe you’re just looking for a small self-care step to help nurture your body through recovery and beyond? If so, Hydration Multiplier may be just the thing to keep you feeling hydrated and healthy as you heal.
Either way, we wish you all the health in the world! Xoxo, your LIV Fam