The great imitator - and the great instigator - of invisible illness

The great imitator - and the great instigator - of invisible illness Understanding Lyme Disease, Supporting Patients, Advancing SolutionsWhat is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can lead to chronic, often invisible multi-system illness. Even after treatment, up to 20% of patients may develop Lyme “infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses” (Lyme-IACCI) with persistent fatigue, pain, cognitive issues, neurological complications, and other enduring health challenges. https://www.hhs.gov/lyme/index.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery HHS announced a series of major initiatives to strengthen the nation’s response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. HHS actions include a multi-million-dollar pilot program focused on tick control, up to $2.5 million in innovation challenges, funding for NIH researchers to combat Alpha-gal syndrome, and a public-private collaboration to help patients connect with experienced providers. What is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can lead to chronic, often invisible multi-system illness. More than 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. Even after treatment, up to 20% of patients may develop Lyme “infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses” (Lyme-IACCI) with persistent fatigue, pain, cognitive issues, neurological complications, and other enduring health challenges. What is Alpha-gal? Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick-associated condition that can trigger potentially serious allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. The CDC estimates, nearly 500,000 Americans are living with AGS, though emerging evidence suggests the true number may be significantly higher.