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Health

Bella Hadid Mentions Her Journey with Lyme Disease. What to Know


Bella Hadid, a 26-year old US model, has shared her struggle to get rid of lyme disease for years. It was 2013 when she had the first diagnosis of this health condition. After her battle against lyme disease for around 9 years, she opens up on this journey.

On the 6th of August 2023, Bella Hadid wrote an Instagram post titled as Not Giving Up. In her Instagram post, she writes, “The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself.” Further, she writes, “Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain. To be that sad and sick with the most blessings/privilege/opportunity/love around me was quite possibly the most confusing thing ever”.

In this lengthy post, Bella continues her experience, “I wouldn’t change anything for the world. If I had to go through all of this again, to get here, to this exact moment I’m in right now, with all of you, finally healthy, I would do it all again. It made me who I am today.” She says that she has shared her battle against lyme disease to inspire her fans who are facing the same health issue. Through her post, she says that her fans need not lose confidence and their condition will improve in a day.

In this post, she has written, “I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life , this 100+ 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”. As a common man, you should know each detail about this health condition. Knowing everything around it means you will safeguard yourself against lyme disease and live quality of life.

Lyme Disease - What Is It?
Lyme disease is a highly vector borne disease in America. As per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), bacterium Borrelia is a major cause and Borrelia mayonii is a rare cause of Lyme Disease. It actually spreads among human beings via the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Being similar to mosquito bites, tick bites cause itchy and tiny bumps on the skin.

As per a June 2022 study conducted by BMJ Global Health, around 14% of the world population could have this health condition. The infection rate of lyme disease is increasing each year. According to a CDC report, there are around 30 000 reported cases of lyme disease in the US each year. The actual number could be higher.


Lyme Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of lyme disease vary from one person to another and the infection level. Here are some common lyme disease signs from the initial to chronic infection level:

    A reddish rash
   
Headache
   
Fever
   
Stiff neck
   
Fatigue
   
Joint and body aches
   
Swollen lymph nodes
   
Paralysis of facial muscles
   
Abnormal feeling
   
Heart block
   
Concentration difficulty
   
Damage in the nerve system
   
Recurring episodes of joint pains or swelling
   
Irregular heart rate
   
Inflammation in the spinal cord or brain

Causes of Lyme Disease
As a vector borne infection, lyme disease occurs due to tick bite. In the USA, it spreads from one human to another due to the bites of bacterium Borrelia. It happens to humans via the bites of Borrelia mayunii in rare cases. The infected ticks can attach to any part of your body such as the scalp, groin, or armpit. You have lyme disease when ticks remain attached to your body part for more than 36 hours.

When and Whom It Occurs
Any person who lives in grassy or woody areas for a longer period could suffer from the tick bites that can lead him/her to have lyme disease.


Lyme Disease Diagnosis
You should consult your doctor when you suspect or notice having lyme disease symptoms after coming from a grassy area. Your doctor will conduct an in-depth physical examination of your body, especially the infected part. After that, the health expert will interact with you to know your medical history and family background. Your doctor will recommend a blood test. If the report is positive, you need to have another test as per your doctor’s recommendation. Negative result means you have no lyme disease.

Lyme Disease Treatment
On the basis of the blood test results, if positive, and physical examinations, your doctor can recommend antibiotics to you. If your symptoms do not go away or get worse even after six months of medication, your doctor will suggest the most appropriate treatment option based on your condition. You need to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.


What to Do If a Tick Bites You
When a tick bites you, follow the following steps to let it not stick to your body:

    Take a pair of tweezers and bring it near to the tick’s head
   
Be bold and gentle to catch and remove the tick with the tweezers
   
Try not to crush the tick’s body with your hands while removing it from your body         part
   
Take a soap like Dettol and water. And wash the bite area with the same   

Lyme Disease Prevention/ How to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease
You can prevent lyme disease by following some steps that are as follows:

         Do not go to grassy, wooded, or bushy area as far as possible for you
         Avoid going to grassy or bushy areas if you are trekking
         Dress well if you have to go to such a grassy area. Your outfits must be tight and             spray a repellent on the outer area of your dress
         Avoid wearing half-sleeved garments. Instead, you should put on full-sleeve             shirts, t-shirts, and allied outfits. Never forget to wear socks and shoes.
         Regularly check your body parts and your children’s for ticks. Remove the tick if             you find one in your inspection
         Have a through bath or shower after coming from a grassy, bushy, or wooded         area 

Conclusion
Lyme disease is a vector-borne health condition. It is a treatable health issue if cared and treated well in its initial state. If ignored, its diagnosis and treatment can run longer. Knowing lyme disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention options will help you take the requisite action for your well-being.    

Disclaimer - The texts with tips or advice mentioned here are only for generic information, but not for a substitute of medical advice. Before applying any advice or tips, you should consult a respective doctor or expert. ATT is not responsible if you have any bad impacts on your health.

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