Supermodel Bella Hadid is battling Lyme disease: What is it?

By India Today Health Desk: Supermodel Bella Hadid has been battling Lyme disease for a long time. In an Instagram post, the 26-year-old revealed that she has been suffering from the condition for 15 years.

“I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life , this 100 plus days of Lyme, chronic disease , co infection treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I’m able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup, and being able to truly be myself, For the first time ever,” she wrote in the caption.

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?

Lyme disease, a vector-borne illness, is caused by the bite of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and, rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

SYMPTOMS OF LYME DISEASE

The disease manifests with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

The early signs of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and erythema migrans rash. However, these symptoms might not always be present, making it possible for individuals to live with the disease for weeks, months, or even years without realizing it.

TREATMENT FOR LYME DISEASE

There is currently no definitive cure for Lyme disease. However, researchers are working on more accurate diagnostic tests to facilitate early detection.

Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. For early Lyme disease, a short course of oral antibiotics. In more complicated cases, it can usually be successfully treated with three to four weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Despite this, some patients can have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment.