Lyme Science Blog

Can Lyme Disease Spread in Under 24 Hours? The Tick Bite Myth Explained A tick does not always need 36 hours to transmit infection. Some pathogens may spread far faster than many people realize. Early removal lowers risk—but does not eliminate it. Can Lyme disease spread in under 24 hours? Yes—under certain conditions, transmission may […]

Fiber and Lyme Disease: How Gut Health May Support Recovery Gut health may influence Lyme disease recovery. Fiber supports the microbiome, immune balance, and inflammation control. Antibiotics and chronic illness can disrupt gut function over time. When we talk about Lyme disease, the conversation usually centers on infection, inflammation, and immune response—not dietary fiber. However,

Why I Stayed in Lyme Disease Care The Patients Who Changed My Path In 1987, I met three patients who would change the course of my medical career. Each had been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Each had already completed treatment. And yet — each remained ill. At the time, I hadn’t been trained to manage

Shortness of Breath in Lyme Disease: What to Know Air hunger, chest tightness, and breathlessness can occur in Lyme disease. The causes are often physiologic—not psychological. Careful evaluation matters. When It’s Hard to Breathe: Could It Be Lyme? Shortness of breath can feel frightening — especially when it strikes without warning or a clear cause.

Still Sick After Lyme Treatment? PTLDS or Persistent Infection? Persistent symptoms after Lyme treatment may not always resolve completely. Fatigue, brain fog, pain, and neurologic symptoms can continue for months or years. PTLDS may overlap with persistent infection, coinfections, or delayed diagnosis. Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) may involve a persistent Lyme infection — not

Babesia Treatment Duration: Why 10 Days Isn’t Enough for Some Patients When symptoms persist after treatment Night sweats and air hunger may signal Babesia Treatment duration should be individualized Babesia treatment duration is one of the most misunderstood aspects of managing this co-infection, particularly when symptoms persist beyond standard timelines. I recently treated a patient

As we continue to grapple with the long-term effects of COVID-19 and deepen our understanding of post-infectious syndromes like Long COVID, it’s become increasingly clear: not all infections resolve cleanly. Some linger, disrupt multiple systems, and defy simplistic explanations. Lyme disease is one of those conditions. For years, Lyme has presented primary care clinicians with

Dismissed Lyme Symptoms: When Doctors Miss the Diagnosis Patients with Lyme disease are often dismissed. Negative tests can delay diagnosis. Listening still matters. In my practice, I’ve seen patients suffer for years—not only from Lyme disease, but from being told their symptoms were not real. They weren’t looking for sympathy. They were looking for answers.

Justin Timberlake and the “But You Look Good” Lyme Disease Myth “But you look good.” It’s a phrase many patients with Lyme disease hear — and rarely forget. When Justin Timberlake revealed his Lyme disease diagnosis, many fans were surprised. He had been touring, performing, and appearing publicly without obvious signs of illness. But that

Restarting Lyme Treatment After C. diff Infection: What to Know Restarting Lyme treatment after C. diff requires caution. Gut recovery and relapse prevention both matter. Treatment decisions should be individualized and closely monitored. Restarting Lyme treatment after C. diff infection is one of the most delicate moments in Lyme care—because the treatment that helps can