Covid-19We do not know whether having Lyme disease increases the risk of more serious Covid-19. Several chronic diseases and chronic neurological conditions are thought to put people more at risk but there is no information on Lyme disease, or other relatively rare conditions.
If you have Lyme disease or think you may still have Lyme disease, or the effects of Lyme disease, then it would be sensible to take every precaution you can against infection – maintaining very careful social distancing and being scrupulous in washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water; and to ask anyone you live with to do the same.
A 2018 scientific paper (1) reported on the long-term health of those who had had Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in Denmark, compared with the general population. The conclusion was
A verified diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis had no substantial effect on long term survival, health, or educational/social functioning. Nevertheless, the diagnosis decreased labour market involvement marginally and was associated with increased risk of haematological and non-melanoma skin cancers.
However, the authors found
Use of outpatient services remained slightly increased among Lyme neuroborreliosis patients for several years after diagnosis, particularly for services in haematology and neurology clinics.” So it seems that some of those who have had LNB do suffer from continued ill health.
We suggest that you read the Advice on social distancing issued by Public Health England and take what precautions you can, and persuade family members to do likewise.
We do hope that you, and family, manage to avoid the worst consequences of this virus on your health, jobs, businesses and relationships.
- Obel N, Dessau RB, Krogfelt KA, Bodilsen J, Andersen NS, Møller JK, et al. Long term survival, health, social functioning, and education in patients with European Lyme neuroborreliosis: nationwide population based cohort study. Br Med J. 2018;361:1–9. Full text available
| Star fundraisers!The Captains of Brocton Hall Golf Club, Steve Metcalfe & Trish Franklin selected LDA as their chosen charity for 2019. During their year of office they have been raising funds for us and also raising awareness of Lyme Disease. 
Trish’s daughter, Emma, suffered from Lyme disease and helped to create an information board. This is brought out at each opportunity to raise awareness and has been loaned to other groups in order to publicise the information and raise awareness & funds.
The club is on the edge of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and probably not short of ticks even on the fairway!
The members have put in a colossal amount of work with raffles, golf days, auctions, a coffee morning & afternoon tea. Shown below are Emma Franklin with her mum Trish, Lady Captain, at their charity afternoon tea for LDA which raised ÂŁ520 thanks to the immense efforts of the ladies section at the golf club.
It didn’t stop there though!
In total, their efforts have raised over ÂŁ16,000 for LDA! This will make a big difference to the resources we have to move things forward for everyone in the UK; especially to help raise awareness amongst health professionals so Lyme disease is recognised early thus avoiding some of the complications which afflicted Emma, and therefore her family. |
