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What does a Lyme flare-up feel like? Ask the Lyme Doc.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can lead to unpredictable disease flare-ups and remissions. The best know flare-up is called a Herxheimer reaction. A Herxheimer reaction was first identified in patients with syphilis and occurs when the body reacts to endotoxin-like products released by the death of bacteria in the body after starting an antibiotic. A flare-up may occur following a trigger or as part of the illness.
Can Lyme disease stay with you forever?
All too often, physicians assume that Lyme disease is easy to diagnose and treat. But for those clinicians treating tick-borne illnesses on a regular basis, Lyme disease is clearly a complex illness that is frequently misdiagnosed and challenging to treat with some patients experiencing chronic, long-lasting symptoms. Doctors treating Lyme disease are often asked by patients: Does Lyme disease stay with you forever or can it be cured?
Herxheimer reaction in a 13-year-old boy with Lyme disease
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR), also referred to as a Herxheimer reaction, was first described after initiating treatment for syphilis. This reaction is associated with the onset of new symptoms or a worsening of existing symptoms in patients receiving antibiotic treatment. The Herxheimer reaction has also been described in patients treated for leptospirosis, relapsing fever, and Lyme disease.
9 ways COVID-19 and Lyme disease can look alike
COVID-19 and Lyme disease are two different diseases. Yet, COVID-19 and Lyme disease can look alike. There are 9 symptoms of COVID-19 that are also seen in Lyme disease.
Lyme disease mimics cellulitis skin infection
Lyme disease can mimic acute and chronic illness. In their article “Lyme Disease Mimics Postoperative Cellulitis,” the authors describe a patient who developed an abdominal rash, which was initially diagnosed as cellulitis, six days after a laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy surgery. [1]
Should Lyme disease patients with an impaired immune system get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted mRNA COVID-19 vaccination considerations for people who have a weakened immune system. “People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.” [1] Individuals with Lyme disease, who may have an impaired immune system, have expressed concern over the vaccine.
