How You Get Lyme Disease
If a tick bites an animal carrying the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, the tick can become infected. The tick can then transfer the bacteria to a human by biting them.
Ticks don’t jump or fly. They climb on to your clothes or skin if you brush against something they’re on. They then bite into the skin and start to feed on your blood.
Generally, you’re more likely to become infected if the tick is attached to your skin for more than 24 hours. Ticks are very small and their bites are not painful, so you may not realise you have one attached to your skin.
Lyme Disease And Fatigue
byJennifer Crystalon January 21, 2022
The severity of fatigue that comes with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses can be difficult to describe because Lyme disease fatigue is a whole different story
When I was sick with COVID-19 in 2020, I continued working despite my mild fatigue, shortness of breath, low-grade fever, loss of taste and smell, and persistent cough. Though these symptoms were no walk in the park, they werent completely debilitating. For some COVID-19 patients, symptoms have rendered them bedridden, hospitalized, or worse. I was lucky not only to survive early COVID-19, but to have a moderate case.
For me, the fatigue of COVID-19 was nothing compared to the fatigue of Lyme disease. Lyme disease fatigue has become the barometer by which I measure all other fatigue, whether its general tiredness or illness-related. The severity of fatigue that comes with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses can be difficult to describe, because fatigue can be defined many ways. It can mean muscle soreness after a workout, burnout after a long week, or yawns that come when you just didnt sleep well. Fatigue can also mean general malaise from the pandemic, or sleepiness from any number of stressors. Then theres feeling like your head is spinning after staying up all night finishing an assignment or tending to a crying baby.
Nadh And Ubiquinol: Vital Co
Energy production cannot occur without the co-enzyme nutrients NADH and ubiquinone/ubiquinol . NADH is a form of vitamin B-3 that is so important to life that every cell in the human body makes it. The highest concentrations of NADH can be found in the heart, brain and muscles because these tissues demand more energy than any other body parts. Interestingly, it seems that in Lyme disease these are the tissues most compromised by the inflammation—suggesting a role for NADH in supporting energy production.
In one study involving 58 patients suffering from a variety of typical fatigue illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia and Gulf War illness, there was a 30.7% reduction in overall fatigue within 60 days of NADH treatment.
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Improving Energy At The Cellular Level
In Lyme disease, much of the body’s energy is shunted towards the immune system as it attempts to destroy the bacteria. This is a tough challenge to face on its own, and the infection and its inflammatory effects often produce symptoms that can become chronic, depleting the individual’s energy for months or years following infection. That’s why whatever can be done to improve cellular energy production is critical to the well-being of Lyme patients.
Commonalities Between Lyme Disease And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As you can see from the bullet points above, Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome share several of the same symptoms. These can include, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain brain fog, and more. Although they are different diseases in that, Lyme is a bacterium, and chronic fatigue syndrome is thought to be caused by a viral infection or even stress, they can produce similar symptoms in the body.
Because both diseases are similar, it can make differentiating between the two difficult sometimes especially due to that fact that theres no one single test for chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease tests can also give a false negative.
If you have a chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis it may be prudent to test for Lyme disease also in order to rule that in or out. According to the CDC, there are 476,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the United States. And not all people with Lyme disease get the classic bullseye rash, which can lead to a longer diagnosis time frame, which then allows the bacteria to grow, leading to more symptoms, including many that overlap chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
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Treatment For Other Forms Of Lyme Disease
People with other forms of disseminated Lyme disease may require longer courses of antibiotics or intravenous treatment with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone. For more information about treating other forms of Lyme disease, see:
The National Institutes of Health has funded several studies on the treatment of Lyme disease that show most people recover within a few weeks of completing a course of oral antibiotics when treated soon after symptom onset. In a small percentage of cases, symptoms such as fatigue and myalgia can last for more than 6 months. This condition is known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome , although it is also sometimes called chronic Lyme disease. For details on research into chronic Lyme disease and long-term treatment trials sponsored by NIH, visit the visit the National Institutes of Health Lyme Disease web siteexternal icon.
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What You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a broad term that can refer to a range of medical conditions, from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to symptoms of other conditions. In fact, fatigue is a common symptom of Lyme disease and especially chronic Lyme disease. So, if youre experiencing chronic fatigue, how do you know what the cause is? Keep reading to learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fatigue as a symptom of other conditions, and important facts about chronic fatigue and Lyme.
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Ongoing Symptoms Of Lyme Disease
A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years.
These symptoms are often compared to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
It’s not clear why this happens to some people and not others. This means there’s also no agreed treatment.
Speak to a doctor if your symptoms come back, or do not improve, after treatment with antibiotics.
The doctor may be able to offer you further support if needed, such as:
- referral for a care needs assessment
- telling your employer, school or higher education institution that you require a gradual return to activities
- communicating with children and families’ social care
Page last reviewed: 05 July 2021 Next review due: 05 July 2024
What Is Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is often used as a shorthand to refer to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis . Some care providers have also proposed the term systemic exertional intolerance disease, or SEID. This article will use the term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to refer to this specific medical diagnosis and chronic fatigue to refer to chronic symptoms of fatigue that are exacerbated or caused by unknown/other conditions.
CFS is a serious, long-term illness that affects several body systems and currently has no cure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , CFS affects approximately 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans but notably, most have not been diagnosed. More women than men are diagnosed with CFS, and the majority of cases are in young and middle-aged adults.
The Mayo Clinic defines ME/CFS as extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that cant be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. According to this definition, fatigue symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity, but do not improve with rest.
Those with ME/CFS often complain of:
- Sleep that isnt restful
- Problems with memory, focus and concentration
- Dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down
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Genetic Variants And Chronic Lyme:
Genetic variants that impact how well treatments work:
ABCB1 gene: controls the way the cells export medications back out of the cell.
Check your genetic data for rs1128503 :
- A/A: typical risk of PTLDS
- A/G: increased risk of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome
TLR1 gene: part of the bodys immune response system
Check your genetic data for rs5743618 :
- C/C: 1.9x more likely to have antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis
- A/C: typical Lyme risk
HLA-DRB1: part of the bodys immune response system
Check your genetic data for rs660895 :
- G/G: increased risk of Lyme arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
- A/G: increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis
- A/A: typical risk
Genetic variants that impact your bodys immune response to Lyme:
TLR2 gene: codes for a part of the immune system response to pathogens
Check your genetic data for rs5743708 :
- A/A: probably less likely to have Lyme
- A/G: much less likely to have advanced-stage Lyme
ANO10 gene: codes for a protein involved in macrophages and cellular volume in the immune response
Check your genetic data for rs41289586 :
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The Chance Of Getting Lyme Disease
Not all ticks in England carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
But it’s still important to be aware of ticks and to safely remove them as soon as possible, just in case.
Ticks that may cause Lyme disease are found all over the UK, but high-risk places include grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands.
Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in woods, areas with long grass, and sometimes in urban parks and gardens. They’re found all over the UK.
Ticks do not jump or fly. They attach to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them.
Once a tick bites into the skin, it feeds on blood for a few days before dropping off.
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The Risk Of Pain And Fatigue After Three Weeks Of Lyme Disease Treatment
Researchers at John Hopkins describe the risk of pain and fatigue after three weeks of treatment with doxycycline for an erythema migrans rash. According to the article published in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 23 of 107 patients had a high fatigue total score and 33 of 107 patients had a high pain score. Only 5 of 107 patients had a high depression total score.
The cut-offs for fatigue and pain were chosen to reflect clinically significant levels of that symptom based on the literature. A cut-off of 36 or greater was chosen for the Fatigue Severity Score to indicate high fatigue symptoms. A score of greater than 3 was chosen for the McGill Pain Scale to indicate high pain symptoms. A total score of 13 or greater was chosen for the Beck Depression Inventory as indicating clinically significant symptoms of depression.
There were a substantial number of patients with a high level of symptoms immediately after completion of the three weeks of doxycycline. Thus by the end of standard antibiotic treatment , those with high symptoms of fatigue, pain, or depression continue to have impact on life functioning up to 6 months later, according to Bechtold from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The researchers identified 6 individuals that suffered from Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome . The authors used the IDSA case definition of PTLDS as follows:
References:
What Causes Chronic Lyme Disease
The CDC says 10% to 20% of people treated for Lyme disease develop ongoing symptoms. These can include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and thinking problems. The symptoms can last more than 6 months.
No one knows what causes chronic Lyme disease. One theory is the infection damages tissues or alters the immune system.
Some pain experts think the immune systemâs reaction to the Lyme infection causes changes that increase pain sensations and contribute to fatigue and poor sleep.
More research is underway.
No matter the cause, the symptoms are real. But most patients get better over time.
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What Is Lyme Disease Fatigue
by Lyme Mexico | Apr 20, 2022 | Symptoms |
Lyme disease is the fifth most reported noticeable disease. However, it is also one of the most underreported diseases in America due to misdiagnoses and faulty test materials. Currently, there are over 476,000 reports of Lyme disease annually, but many reports suggest that number should be much higher. This means hundreds of thousands of people may be suffering the debilitating symptoms of Lyme disease every day. One of the most concerning symptoms is fatigue. Everyone gets tired after a long day at work or after going to the gym for a workout. At night, you fall asleep quickly and wake up refreshed. This is entirely different than Lyme disease fatigue.
Chronic Lyme Disease Vs Post
Patients typically use the term chronic Lyme disease to describe the cluster of symptoms that started after getting Lyme disease and that persist despite having received a course of antibiotic treatment which has been deemed curative by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Patients say, Im not cured. I have symptoms now that I never had before Lyme disease. Im fatigued 90% of the day. My muscles ache. My brain is in a fog. I cant think clearly any more. Im super sensitive to light and sound. What is going on? Chronic Lyme disease does exist Im a living example of it!
Whatever one calls it, the experience is the same. Most often these patients experience profound fatigue, pain, and/or cognitive impairment. Mild to moderate levels of depression and anxiety may also accompany these symptoms, as the functional limitations can lead to social isolation, inability to work, and loss of sense of ones identity as a provider, caretaker, or friend. Sometimes patients find themselves identifying with Job the just and good man in the Bible whose life was wrecked by illness, death of loved ones, and economic disaster he felt tormented by God.
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Recognizing Signs Of Lyme Disease
Long-term Lyme disease is not always easy to recognize. Until someone develops a more reliable test for this illness, doctors must be skilled diagnosticians to determine if youve been infected. So, its unlikely that you would know for sure whether you have this disease without talking with an expert.
However, if you notice Lyme disease symptoms, you can reasonably assume its worth consulting a Lyme disease specialist.
Is Lyme Disease Behind Your Chronic Fatigue
When Lyme disease causes exhaustion, it usually brings other symptoms as well. You may experience headaches, arthritis, heart palpitations, dizziness, and other symptoms. Based on a 2011 study and his experience since then, one researcher recently suggested that between 62 and 88 percent of his patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome actually had Lyme disease.
Getting tested for Lyme disease is a good first step. However, false negatives are not uncommon. Therefore, if you have been tested and still feel unsure, its time to take additional measures. You can start by speaking with a doctor who specializes in treating Lyme disease. They can put their expertise and years of experience to work finding out if Lyme disease is behind your chronic fatigue.
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Background On Lyme Disease:
In North America, Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria carried by black-legged ticks.
Symptoms of Lyme include:
- skin rash erythema migrans
The CDCs data on Lyme disease dates back to 1991, but reports of Lyme disease go back to the mid-1970s. The number of cases has grown steadily since the early 90s, and the areas where the disease is found has spread across the country.
In Europe, Lyme is also present and sometimes called Borreliosis. Cases can involve genospecies of Borrelia including B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. valaisiana.
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Treatment Of Lyme Disease
Early diagnosis and proper antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease is important and can help prevent late Lyme disease. The following treatment regimens reflect CDCs interpretation of the most current data for four important manifestations of Lyme disease. These regimens are consistent with guidanceexternal icon published by the by the Infectious Disease Society of America, American Academy of Neurology, and American College of Rheumatology.
Some patients report persistent symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking even after treatment for Lyme disease. The state of the science relating to persistent symptoms associated with Lyme disease is limited, emerging, and unsettled.
Additional researchexternal icon is needed to better understand how to treat, manage, and support people with persistent symptoms associated with Lyme disease. In light of these research gaps, recommendations for treatment of persistent symptoms in people previously treated for Lyme disease are not provided here.
If you are interested in information on chronic Lyme diseaseexternal icon, see NIHs website.
Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.
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Supporting Patients With Long
*For correspondence:Keywords: Copyright
There has been controversy about Lyme disease , first about whether people really can have persistent problems after Lyme disease, and then about whether more antibiotic treatment is beneficial if they do still have symptoms. This overview compiles into one summary information about what the studies have found about the cause of the symptoms and the possible treatments, so that GPs are better able to advise patients who have the long-term problems.
Some patients have persistent symptoms after LD, despite having had the recommended antibiotic treatment. A small proportion of LD patients have a relevant delay in treatment, which may increase their risk for the development of problems that can last a long time, perhaps a few years. These delays can sometimes result from the difficulty of diagnosis, particularly as many LD cases do not have the erythema migrans rash.1 Catching LD while holidaying abroad may make a delay more likely because it may be some time before the patient returns home and sees a doctor. The Royal College of General Practitioners has prepared an LD toolkit2 and mentions post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome as one term used to describe these long-term problems. PTLDS can significantly impact quality of life3 and recovery may be extremely slow, with no apparent improvement from one month to the next, although very subtle improvement may be seen from one year to the next.
