What is Lyme Disease?
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infection that is not currently recognised by the Australian Medical Association. The disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia, which is contracted when someone is bitten by a tick. In addition to Lyme Disease, these ticks can also transmit other illnesses or diseases while biting into a person. There are two types of Lyme Disease - acute and chronic.
The lack of recognition by the AMA means that Australians suffering from the disease do not receive government assistance with their treatments, and cannot be treated in Australia. It is for this reason that many Australians and their families are now turning to crowdfunding, as a way to cover their travel costs for the overseas treatment of Lyme Disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The symptoms of Lyme Disease vary, depending on whether the person has acute or chronic Lyme Disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lyme Disease
- Fever
- Muscle soreness
- Headache
- Unexplained fatigue
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme Disease has a significant effect on the body, causing damage to the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory and neurological systems. Some examples of Lyme Disease signs and symptoms are:
- Facial paralysis
- Joint pain or swelling
- Tremors or unexplained shaking
- Disorientation, and
- Memory loss.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease
With care and being aware of your surroundings, you can avoid contracting Lyme Disease. Wear full-length pants and shirts, with enclosed shoes when near bushland or grassy areas. Once you are inside check your clothes, hairline and neck for any ticks. Remove the ticks with long nosed tweezers and avoid squeezing the tick, as this transfers the toxins into your bloodstream.
How you can help people with Lyme Disease
The Lyme Disease Association of Australia encourages sufferers or their loved ones to help to create their own events and continue to raise funds and awareness. This can be done through donations, volunteer work and running your own Lyme Disease themed event through mycause.
You could host a lime green themed party or morning tea, create a walk-a-thon for Lyme Disease, or raise awareness through sharing your own Lyme Disease journey online.
If you or someone you know is affected by Lyme Disease, then you can create a mycause campaign to fundraise for Lyme Disease treatment and recovery. mycause also offers campaign creators the option to fundraise for the LDAA while also raising funds for an individual with Lyme Disease. To see how people are crowdfunding for Lyme Disease treatment and the LDAA, please view our blog, Australians Battling Against Lyme Disease.