Justin Timberlake has become the latest celebrity to share his struggle with Lyme disease. The singer-songwriter, 44, revealed on July 31 that he has been diagnosed with the debilitating illness, which affects over 400,000 people worldwide.
Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne infection and can progress into chronic illness if left untreated. Symptoms include fever, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. However, as the disease becomes more serious, it can lead to nerve pain, facial droopiness, difficulty thinking, and shortness of breath.
The singer shared that his world tour was made difficult by his ongoing health issues, but he acknowledged that his diagnosis explained many of the symptoms he had been experiencing on stage. “I don’t say [this] so you feel bad for me,” Timberlake wrote in an Instagram post, “but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
Several other celebrities have also spoken out about their battles with Lyme disease, including Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, Avril Lavigne, and Anwar Hadid. Shania Twain revealed that her vocal problems persisted for seven years after she contracted the illness while horseback riding in 2003.
Lyme disease can be challenging to diagnose, especially once it reaches its chronic stage. However, doctors can identify Lyme antibodies in blood tests several weeks after infection. The Global Lyme Alliance recommends monitoring symptoms daily and adjusting behavior based on how you feel to manage flare-ups.
Treatment for Lyme disease typically involves antibiotics during initial infections. Chronic cases often require ongoing management of symptoms and monitoring for potential complications. By sharing his experience, Timberlake aims to raise awareness about this debilitating illness and encourage others who may be struggling with it.
Source: https://www.eonline.com/news/1420644/what-is-lyme-disease-what-celebrities-have-said