The COVID-19 crisis has been especially difficult for high-risk people.  Should Lyme disease sufferers worry about COVID-19 comorbidity?

Doctors are saying that there could be COVID-19 comorbidity risks for individuals with Lyme disease.  Specifically, chronic Lyme sufferers.  Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome patients suffer from fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that could render their immune systems weaker.  This is especially true for Lyme patients that are treated with immunosuppressive drugs.  Early Lyme disease diagnosed patients might not be at a higher risk, as they are treated with antibiotics that do not produce side effects that make patients more susceptible to COVID-19.

What is the rate of COVID-19 comorbidity infection?

Recently the CDC stated that with the 2,470,000 reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States, we can expect the actual number of infections to be ten times higher.  This means that 24,7000,000 cases of the disease could be present in the U.S. alone.  Each year, there are roughly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease reported to the CDC.  They also estimate that those cases are likely ten times higher than the number reported.  This is because many with Lyme disease are mis-diagnosed, un-diagnosed, or remain asymptomatic for a long time.  During the pandemic, we have learned that many COVID-19 carriers are asymptomatic.

A study in China found that approximately 25% of their COVID-19 patients had comorbidity.  In the United States, a study was performed on March 28, which showed 37% of COVID-19 sufferers had comorbidity.  71% of hospitalizations and 78% of ICU patients had comorbidity.

What does this mean for chronic Lyme disease patients?

While chronic Lyme disease sufferers should consider themselves at higher risk for infection, and for hospitalization if infected, we should all be wary.  Even though studies showed 78% of ICU patients had underlying health conditions, 22% of ICU patients did not have underlying conditions.  We must all practice recommended social distancing.  If you feel you are at too great a risk for infection, and can stay at home, it is best to do that.  When we do go out into our communities, face coverings should be worn.  Protect yourself.  Protect others.

Central Mass Lyme disease prevention with tick control is essential.

Even before the coronavirus health crisis arrived, informed Central Mass residents understood the threat of Lyme disease.  With exploding tick populations, we see higher infection rates each year.  During the health crisis, we must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent our infection and the infection of others while in public places.  At home, we must be vigilant about effective Central Mass tick control.  Enlisting the aid of a reputable tick control company is essential in the fight against Lyme disease.  Protect your home and family with regular tick control barrier sprays all spring, summer, and fall.  In the late fall, employ the use of tick tubes to continue your tick control efforts through the winter.  While we are hopeful that the coronavirus crisis will lessen over time, and result in a vaccine, there is no vaccine against Lyme disease to-date.  Tick control is our only way to prevent it.