You may notice that you are hearing more and more about Lyme disease lately. That’s not just because it is summer (although people do become more conscious of it during the warmer months) but rather because cases of Lyme disease are becoming more common. I’m thrilled to be sharing this sponsored post to help raise awareness of Lyme Disease and its spread.
Stop and think for a minute. How many people do you know personally who have been affected by Lyme disease? I can count at least three family members and two friends who have been diagnosed. One friend had such a severe case that she required year-long treatment and there were serious concerns about whether she would make a full recovery. (She did, thank goodness.)
As more people are being diagnosed with Lyme, it is also spreading to new areas of the country. Lyme has typically been associated with the Northeast (Lyme, CT is actually how it got its name). But according to Quest Diagnostics, there are more cases originating from other areas of the country.
But let’s back up – you are probably wondering who Quest Diagnostics is and why I am referencing them, right? Well, Quest Diagnostics is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. So when a patient is tested for Lyme disease, their samples are very likely sent to Quest Diagnostics for analysis. With the world’s largest database of de-identified clinical lab results, Quest Diagnostics’ Health Trends
Lyme Disease report provides the most current insights into Lyme disease in the United States. And folks, the news is not good. From 2014 to 2017, the number of positive Lyme tests rose from 6.7% to 11.2%
In addition to states that have been battling this disease for a while – mostly the New England states and Pennsylvania – those of us in Wisconsin, Florida, and California are being hit especially hard with new cases of Lyme Disease.
But I don’t want to be all doom and gloom. There are some things that you can do to help cut down your risk of contracting Lyme Disease. And I’m not going to tell you to give up your outside activities, just to make a few adjustments such as:
o Don’t pitch a tent or set up camp in a location with leaf litter
o Stay away from high grass
o Wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and pants
o Wear a hat and secure long hair by tying it back
o Tuck pants inside socks or boots
o Wear gardening gloves
If you are looking to learn more about Lyme Disease, be sure to check out Quest Diagnostic’s annual Health Trends Report.
Diane Emery Hoffmaster says
My dad was diagnosed with Lymes back in May. Took him 2 months to feel better. Definitely something more people need to learn about to stay safe!
Maureen Fitzgerald says
Oh no – I’m glad he is feeling better!
Stacie says
We check ourselves for ticks all the time, and we always stay on the lookout for Lyme symptoms. It’s tick central where we are!
Maureen Fitzgerald says
Seems like everywhere is these days!
Amy says
My mom has lymes disease. She actually got infected back to back in the same year. Apparently that can happen too!
Maureen Fitzgerald says
Oh no – I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope she is making a strong recovery.
Jeni Hawkins says
Yikes! This is great information, for sure! I’ll be on the lookout now and be much more aware! Thank you so much for the heads up!
Maureen Fitzgerald says
It’s so great to have a resource like Quest to rely on.
Crystal says
I’ve never known anyone to have Lyme disease. I don’t know if I’m really sheltered or if I don’t have a lot of friends.
Maureen Fitzgerald says
Just lucky, I’ll bet!
Sherry says
I don’t think I’ve known anyone who has had lyme disease. We have always protected our pets against it but don’t really think about ourselves. I’ll have to be more vigilant.
Maureen Fitzgerald says
You are right though, pets need to be protected as well!
Rachel says
I know two women that have had lyme disease and it has been really rough. I would hate to have to deal with it myself.
Maureen Fitzgerald says
It can really mess with quality of life – especially if it goes a while undiagnosed.
Kiwi says
Thanks for the educational post on Lyme disease! I have never met anyone with lyme disease before.