Latest news with #GlobalLymeAlliance
The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid & other stars battling Lyme disease after Justin Timberlake reveals ‘debilitating' diagnosis
JUSTIN Timberlake revealed his 'debilitating' battle with Lyme disease on Thursday. But 11 Justin Timberlake has opened up on his secret health battle Credit: Getty 11 He was previously diagnosed with Lyme disease, but he is not the only star Credit: Getty Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted to humans through infected ticks via a bite. In 2022, over 62,000 cases were reported to the CDC, and it's most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest. Whilst early treatment can be effective, people might face serious and long-lasting and serious symptoms if treatment is delayed. The U.S. Sun takes a look at all the stars who have suffered with the disease. READ MORE ON JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE The Hadid Family 11 Various members of the Hadid family have famously battled with Lyme disease Credit: Getty Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid has been very honest about her battle with the disease. She spoke out about her diagnosis in 2017 and she wrote about it in her memoir, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease. At the Global Lyme Alliance in 2016, her daughter Bella Hadid also admitted how many aspects of her life, including her passion for horseback riding - had been hindered by the condition. Gigi has not had the disease herself, but has spoken about the effects it has had on her family. Most read in Celebrity She admitted, "Growing up, having three of my family members sick made me very independent. "My mom couldn't drive or get out of bed some days, so I took my brother to school with me, or I made lunch. Justin Timberlake reveals secret health battle and confesses symptoms have been 'relentlessly debilitating' on tour "But I also felt a lot of guilt for being the one person in the family who didn't understand what they were going through." Gigi added, "It's hard when your whole family is in pain and you don't know what to do." Avril Lavigne 11 Avril Lavigne admitted she was left bedridden for five months Credit: Getty The Sk8ter Boi singer first revealed that she was suffering from Lyme disease back in 2015. She told People Magazine that she had been battling with symptoms for a year as she admitted, "I had no idea a bug bite could do this. In 2019, she told the outlet that her charitable foundation was working with various organizations dedicated to fighting Lyme disease. Whilst insisting she was well again, she added, "It gave me a purpose, and made me find myself all over again. "When you go through something like that, you realize how fulfilling simple things are - things I could do anymore, like being able to get up in the morning and go to the kitchen and grab a cup of coffee." Riley Keough 11 Riley Keough chose to start her family using surrogacy due to the disease Credit: Getty The daughter of Lisa Marie Presley admitted that she had Lyme disease when she appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in 2023. She opened up on how it affected her day-to-day life. It also led to her decision to choose the surrogacy route when she wanted to start a family with her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen. Riley admitted, "I can carry children, but it felt like the best choice for what I had going on physically with the autoimmune stuff." The interview for the publication took place in Sweden where the actress chose to recover from the condition at a special holistic center. She explained that she was on a "break" to try and "alleviate" symptoms with treatment that wasn't available in the states. She added, "[There's] all kinds of things that you can't really do in America yet, like cleaning your blood." Amy Schumer 11 Amy Schumer opened up on the medication she took to alleviate symptoms Credit: AFP or licensors The actress is best known for her TV work in comedy and even on Broadway. But she opened up about her diagnosis with Lyme disease in an Instagram post in September 2020. She posted a throwback image of her 'first ever fishing pole,' as she captioned the photo, "Anyone get LYME this summer? "I got it and I'm on doxycycline. I have maybe had it for years. Any advice? Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on it?" She continued, "I know to stay out of the sun. I'm also taking these herbs from cape cod called lyme-2. "I also want to say that I feel good and am excited to get rid of it." Justin Bieber 11 Fans thought Justin may have been on drugs due to concerning images, but he was just midway through battling the condition Credit: GC Images In July 2019, fans of Justin Bieber became concerned by a photo circulating the internet. Whilst many speculated that he was on drugs , in January 2020 he explained that it was actually taken at the worst point of suffering with the condition. On Instagram, he admitted, "While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s-, on meth etc. they failed to realize I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease. "It's been a rough couple years but getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever." Shania Twain 11 Country star Shania Twain suffers from vocal problems due to dysphonia Credit: Getty The singer is known for hits such as That Don't Impress Me Much and You're Still The One. However, she has secretly faced vocal problems because of dysphonia, which is a result of Lyme disease. She has been forced to both regain and retune her voice over the years due to the condition. She previously told People Magazine, "I was very scared for a little while that I wouldn't sing again, ever. "I went through that moment, but I found a way. I found a way to do it." Shania now has to do lengthy warmups and 'very difficult' physical therapy when she uses her voice. Ben Stiller 11 Hollywood actor Ben admitted the disease is still in his system Credit: Getty In 2010, the A year later he told The Hollywood Reporter, "I'm symptom-free now, but Lyme doesn't ever leave your system." Ben added, "It's a really tough thing." Alec Baldwin 11 Alec Baldwin thought he could die from the effects Credit: Getty The former SNL star took to the stage at the LymeAid gala dinner for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, where he was also the Master of Ceremonies. During the evening, Alec was very candid about his battles with the medical condition. He admitted, "I really thought this is it, I'm not going to live, I was alone, I wasn't married at the time, I was divorced from my first wife. "I was lying in bed saying, 'I'm going to die of Lyme disease,' in my bed and 'I hope someone finds me and I'm not here for too long.'" Kelly Osbourne 11 Kelly Osbourne was bitten by a tick at a birthday party thrown for her dad Ozzy Credit: Getty The former reality TV star is known for her presenting roles on In 2004, midway through the height of popularity for The Osbournes on MTV, she attended her dad's birthday party. Ozzy had the surprise bash thrown for him to celebrate his 56th birthday, which featured featured a reindeer sanctuary in the family's backyard. However, Kelly was bitten by a tick during the event and would go onto suffer from an array of symptoms. These included a sore throat and stomach pains as she later opened up on the impact of the condition on her life. The former E! star admitted, "I've learned to advocate for myself when it comes to my health , and I trust my intuition." In her memoir, There Is No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch, she continued: "If I think something is wrong, I refuse to let anyone dismiss it. And sadly, I stay the f--- away from reindeer."
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Stars who've battled Lyme disease: Justin Timberlake, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, more
Justin Timberlake revealed this week he had Lyme disease, joining a growing list of celebrities who have gone public with their diagnoses. The singer, 44, revealed he has been "battling some health issues" and was diagnosed with the bacterial-borne illness in an Instagram post on Thursday, July 31. "If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," Timberlake wrote. "When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness." Timberlake is one of several A-listers who have shared their struggle with Lyme disease, which humans usually contract from a tick bite. Here's a look at other stars who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease. 'Relentlessly debilitating': Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis Justin Bieber In January 2020, Justin Bieber revealed on Instagram that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease along with "a serious case of chronic mono." "While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like (I'm on) on meth etc. they failed to realize I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease," he wrote, adding, "not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my, skin, brain function, energy, and overall health." He added: "It's been a rough couple years but getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever NO CAP." What is Lyme disease? Justin Timberlake shares 'debilitating' diagnosis Bella, Yolanda and Anwar Hadid Mother-daughter modeling duo Yolanda and Bella Hadid have both publicly spoken about their diagnoses. The elder Hadid wrote about her health struggle in her 2017 memoir "Believe Me," recalling: "As difficult as these past five years have been, I am so grateful that this journey has led to me living in the light." Bella, 28, has also been open about the toll the disease can take on the body. Alongside hospital selfies in 2023, the model wrote: "The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself." "Thankful to my mommy for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me, never leaving my side, protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this," she continued. Anwar Hadid, younger brother to Bella, also suffers from the disease, his mother previously revealed. At the Global Lyme Alliance inaugural gala in 2015, Yolanda spoke about the stress the illness put on the whole family. "When my two youngest children, Bella and Anwar, were diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in early 2012, watching my babies struggle in silence in order to support me in my journey, struck the deepest core of hopelessness inside of me," she said. Riley Keough Actress Riley Keough, daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, revealed her Lyme disease diagnosis in an August 2023 interview with Vanity Fair. The "Daisy Jones & The Six" star also shared that she was undergoing treatment at a "holistic treatment center" that "offers all kinds of things that you can't really do in America yet, like cleaning your blood." In her family life, Keough said her health battle influenced her decision to use a surrogate for her first child, daughter Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen. "I think it's a very cool, selfless, and incredible act that these women do to help other people," Keough said. "I can carry children, but it felt like the best choice for what I had going on physically with the autoimmune stuff." Riley Keough talks Lyme disease: Actress opens up about surrogacy Ryan Sutter TV personality Ryan Sutter opened up about the debilitating health impacts of his Lyme disease battle during a May 2021 appearance on his wife Trista Sutter's podcast "Better Etc." "My body would just itch for no reason, severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, night sweats, fevers, really deep bone aches and muscle aches and joint aches, periods of extreme fatigue, almost paralyzing fatigue," said Sutter, who was frequently exposed to mold toxins in his work as a firefighter. "The Bachelorette" alum added, "It seems like something that I will always have. It's just that now I know, and I will try to build back my immune system to fight it off." Avril Lavigne Pop punk princess Avril Lavigne has been vocal about her life-threatening battle with Lyme disease. The illness, which she says she contracted from a tick, caused her extreme fatigue and joint pain, leaving the singer bedridden for months. In an interview with USA TODAY in February 2019, she recalled a particular night during that period — lying in bed with her mom, feeling weak and convinced she was dying — that inspired her to write her song "Head Above Water." Shania Twain Country music icon Shania Twain contracted Lyme disease in 2003 after getting bitten by a tick while horseback riding. While her diagnosis wasn't immediately clear, Twain said the disease's impact on her vocal cords served as a red flag. "There were seven years where I could not, for example, yell out for my dog. My voice would just cut out in certain places," said Twain during a 2020 appearance on "The View." "It took another several years to determine what it was. ... Nobody connected the Lyme disease to it. In the end, a neurologist finally worked out that it was the nerve to each vocal cord." Shania Twain interview: The country queen talks throat surgery, set list and liquid diets Although she had to undergo open-throat surgery to repair her vocal cords, the Grammy-winning singer reflected that the disease's toll could have been far worse. "It was just a very unfortunate, ironic problem since I'm a singer, but I feel so grateful and so lucky that it didn't attack somewhere else because it's so debilitating," Twain added. "I have a different voice now, but I own it. I love my voice now." Amy Schumer In September 2020, actress and comedian Amy Schumer shared with fans online that she'd been living with Lyme disease. "Anyone get LYME this summer? I got it and I'm on doxycycline," wrote Schumer in an Instagram post. "I have maybe had it for years." Although Schumer assured her followers that she felt "good," she asked for "any advice" to "get rid of it" and treat her illness, such as, "Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on (doxycycline)?" Contributing: Patrick Ryan, Charles Trepany and Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY
CNET
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Tick Bite? Here's What to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Next Steps
You just finished a satisfying summer hike or wrapped up a weekend of yard work when you spot a tick clinging to your clothes. The fresh-air high fades quickly as you remember the risks -- ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, a growing concern across the US. Lyme disease cases have more than doubled in recent years, according to the CDC, with annual reports jumping from around 42,000 to nearly 90,000. While part of that increase is due to improved detection and reporting methods, the risk is still very real. Whether you're spending time on the trails or just working in your backyard, it's worth knowing how to prevent tick bites, recognize early symptoms and get treatment if needed. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this summer. What is Lyme disease? You can get Lyme disease when a tick bites you, spreading a specific type of bacteria. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist who specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne and parasitic diseases, explains the disease more in-depth: "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. In the United States, it is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, and to a lesser extent, Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is the number-one cause of tick-transmitted disease in the United States." However, the tick has to carry the bacteria to give you Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry the bacteria. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, anywhere from under 1% to over 50% of black-legged ticks may carry Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on location. However, they may have other pathogens. Dr. Donald Harker, wilderness medicine fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno, says, "Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial spirochete that lives in the midgut of infected ticks, typically requiring extended attachment of a tick to host for transmission to occur." Lyme disease symptoms "There are three stages of disease including early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated Lyme disease," says Harker. Stage 1 Lyme disease symptoms The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms of the early stage occurring three to 30 days after an infected tick has bitten you. Pritt says the early localized state can include "fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash (known as erythema migrans) at the tick bite site. The rash is seen in about 70% of infected people, but it may go unnoticed, especially if it is on a part of the body that isn't easily seen, such as the scalp or back. The rash enlarges over time and sometimes clears to create the classic target or 'bull's-eye' appearance." Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET's medical reviewers, adds, "More common than not, there is not central clearing or 'target' appearance. The rash should be larger than 5 cm." Willowpix/Getty Images Stage 2 Lyme disease symptoms Stage 2 of Lyme disease tends to happen three to 10 weeks after the tick bite. During stage 2, symptoms can already become serious or deadly. According to Harker, "During transition to early disseminated disease, multiple erythema migrans rashes may develop more distant from the original bite location, along with flu-like symptoms, cranial nerve palsy, meningitis or cardiac conduction abnormalities. While Lyme carditis [occurs when Lyme disease bacteria enter the heart's tissue] is rare, it is a significant cause of Lyme disease-related mortality and has been documented to result in complete heart block in as little as four days after infection." The Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, painful swelling around the eye or eyelid, eye nerve pain or vision loss, muscle weakness that can happen on one or both sides of the face and body pain. Stage 3 Lyme disease symptoms Symptoms from earlier stages can persist into stage 3. But a host of new serious symptoms might arise, characterized most commonly by arthritis in large joints. "The last stage, late disseminated Lyme disease, presents months to years after the initial tick bite," Harker says. "Characteristic symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease include Lyme arthritis with pain in one or more major joints and nervous system involvement including sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, migraine, encephalopathy [a change in how your brain functions], vertiginous dizziness and peripheral paresthesia [the sensation of tingling, prickling or numbness]." Post-Treatment Lyme disease syndrome symptoms "Some people experience fatigue, joint pain and brain fog lasting six months or more – this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), and it can be very debilitating for some people," Pritt states. No one quite knows why symptoms may persist after treatment. According to Harker, "The etiology of PTLDS is unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed, including microbial persistence, though no evidence has shown continued infection. Other proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, residual inflammation or gut microbiome alterations, though further research is required at this point."Lyme disease risk factors Since ticks transmit Lyme disease, it primarily affects people who spend the most time outside in certain regions. Pritt identifies the following risk factors: "Living or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest US, and not using protection against tick bites when outdoors." Harker mentions other risk factors: "Seasonally, the risk of infection is highest during late spring, summer and early fall when nymphal ticks are most active, though climate changes have enabled tick expansion to regions that have historically not experienced as much tick-borne illness. House pets are also able to bring ticks into the home, with the largest risk associated with cats. Lastly, we do see an increased incidence of infection in certain age groups, including children less than 15 and individuals aged 50-70 years old." How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Pritt outlines the whole diagnostic process: "Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through a review of the patient's symptoms in conjunction with a history of tick exposure, and blood tests to detect the patient's immune response to the bacteria (called serologic testing). When present, the bull's-eye rash is considered diagnostic of Lyme disease in endemic areas and should prompt immediate treatment. However, not all cases of Lyme disease are straightforward, and laboratory testing can play a crucial role in making the diagnosis, particularly in the later stages of disease." How is Lyme disease treated? Can it be cured? Pritt states that doctors treat with antibiotic courses like doxycycline. Harker adds that treatment may vary based on how someone's symptoms manifest, which organs are infected and what stage of infection the person is experiencing. Oral antibiotics tend to go to those who exhibit rashes. People with more serious symptoms like neurologic issues or heart problems might get IV antibiotics. People with a tick bite and potential exposure may get prophylactic postexposure antibiotics if it is noted that the tick is the deer tick, the bite occurred in a highly endemic area and the tick was attached for over 36 hours. Treatments can get even more involved for the worst complications. According to Harker, "[For] cardiac manifestations, IV antibiotics [may be used], with a potential need for a pacemaker if [there is the] presence of a symptomatic heart block." Pritt adds, "Lingering after-treatment symptoms can be very troublesome and challenging to treat. Rest, physical therapy, stress management and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms." She adds that lingering symptoms might result from an overactive immune response or residual tissue damage, rather than ongoing infection. Al-Heeti adds, "Long-term antibiotics are not recommended for PTLDS or chronic Lyme as sometimes prescribed." rbkomar/Getty Images What to do if a tick bites you Follow these steps if you notice that a tick has bitten you: Remove the tick immediately. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. Clean the area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. Safely save the tick. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. Watch for symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. Keep an eye out for telltale symptoms like the bull's-eye rash. If exposure is likely and you live in the Northeast, you might consider getting preventative antibiotics from a doctor. How to prevent Lyme disease There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines on the market. "A new vaccine is in development and could become available in the next few years, pending approval," says Pritt. There are some in human trials at the moment, says Harker. Since Lyme disease can range from asymptomatic to deadly, it's best to avoid ticks in the first place using a few easy preventative measures. Use tick repellent Harker recommends tick repellants like DEET or picaridin. He also suggests finding tick-resistant clothing treated with permethrin. Dress appropriately outdoors Pritt recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Harker reminds us that you can tuck clothing into the waist of pants and socks to minimize gaps that pests can get into. "Light-colored clothing may also aid in the early identification of ticks attached to clothing," says Harker. Perform tick checks "As transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 15 to 48 hours, frequent skin checks for possible tick exposure should be performed when in outdoor areas with risk of contact," Harker says. You should also perform frequent tick checks while outside and after. "Showering after being in tick-prone areas can help to identify ticks on your body," says Pritt. "Be sure to check all of the members of your group, including your pets." When to contact a doctor Pritt takes a pragmatic approach: "If you develop a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, then you should contact your doctor to see if you should be tested for tick-borne diseases." Harker also says you should contact your doctor if there is any concern, as he states that "prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated and are best administered within the first 72 hours after the tick bite." The bottom line Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that live in the deer tick. People contract the disease after the tick has bitten them and been on their bodies for most of the day or longer. Symptoms go in three stages and may start with the signature bull's-eye rash. Later stages can mean arthritis, heart problems, stiffness and pain in the body, eye pain or vision loss and muscle weakness. It's best to prevent tick bites by covering as much skin as possible outdoors, with regular tick checks and by using tick repellant. Lyme disease FAQs Can Lyme disease go away on its own? According to Cedars Sinai, if untreated, the Lyme infection may go away on its own. However, if untreated, you may have to deal with complications down the line. Watch out for symptoms and contact your doctor if there are any concerns. Can you live long with Lyme disease? Yes, you can live a long life even if you contract Lyme disease – especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Brown University Health reports that it is very unlikely for someone to die from Lyme disease.
