Understanding Bella Hadid’s Ongoing Health Battle with Lyme Disease
A Frustrating Decline in Health
In a social media post, California-born Hadid explained that symptoms started in middle school and have worsened over time despite medical care. She shared photos of undergoing IV treatment, saying the disease’s effects are hard to fully convey.
Hadid said she won’t return to work until she is ready, emphasizing a need to prioritize her health after powering through worsening Lyme disease for years.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease stems from bacteria transmitted through tick bites. Ticks carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria live across much of the U.S., with hotspots in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic states. Cases have also been reported in Europe and parts of Canada.
Lyme disease often begins with a small itchy bump resembling a mosquito bite at the site of the tick bite. But symptoms vary and can emerge in stages, with some people not exhibiting early signs.
Early Stage Symptoms May Include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rashes
Later Stage Symptoms Can Include:
- Widespread rash
- Facial paralysis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Nerve pain
- Cognitive impairment
When to See a Doctor
If Lyme disease symptoms emerge after a tick bite, prompt diagnosis and treatment is key. Left untreated, the bacteria can spread and cause severe complications. See a doctor for testing if exhibiting any Lyme disease signs.
Bella Hadid’s high-profile struggle spotlights the serious and pervasive nature of Lyme disease. Her candor shows the grueling impacts of chronic illness. By prioritizing her health, Hadid demonstrates the courage to put well-being first even amid intense career pressures. Her choice may empower others confronting the debilitating effects of Lyme disease.
