Just because you're famous doesn't mean you're immune from getting Lyme disease. Let's look at the following celebrities who have fought or are currently fighting their own battle against this debilitating disease. 

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Avril Lavigne

 

Canadian singing sensation Avril Lavigne has been battling Lyme disease since 2014. According to People magazine, the illness left the “Complicated” singer bedridden for nearly half a year. “I could barely eat, and when we went to the pool, I had to leave and go lie in bed,” Lavigne told the publication in 2015. “I had no idea a bug bite could do this.”

 

Shania Twain

 

Lyme disease threatened the career of country star Shania Twain, as the illness caused her to suffer a vocal cord disorder called dysphonia. "I was very scared for a little while that I wouldn't sing again, ever," she told People magazine in 2017. "I went through that moment, but I found a way. I found a way to do it."

 

Ben Stiller

 

Lyme disease is no laughing matter for this Hollywood star, who was diagnosed with the illness back in 2010. While the Tropic Thunder funnyman says he’s now symptom-free, Stiller knows it’s always possible for the condition to flare up again. “Lyme doesn't ever leave your system,” he said in a 2011 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “It's a really tough thing."

 

Kelly Osbourne

 

This famous daughter was bitten by a tick during a big birthday party for her dad, which was held outdoors and featured a reindeer sanctuary. She went on to suffer painful symptoms, which she detailed in her 2017 memoir, There Is No F**king Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch.

 

Justin Bieber

 

In a 2020, this pop superstar revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease after suffering symptoms for an extended period of time. "It's been a rough couple years,” he said in a now-deleted Instagram post. “But getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever."

 

Amy Schumer

 

Comedian Amy Schumer revealed her diagnosis a 2020 Instagram post. The Train Wreck star asked for advice from fans who had experience with the illness. “I got [Lyme disease] and I’m on doxycycline. I have maybe had it for years. Any advice?” she asked. “Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on it? I know to stay out of the sun. I’m also taking these herbs from cape cod called lyme-2.” Please comment or text me on my number in my bio. I also want to say that I feel good and am excited to get rid of it.”

 

Debbie Gibson

 

This 1980s pop princess has been struggling with Lyme disease since 2013. During her 2017 stint on Dancing With the Stars, the “Electric Youth” singer admitted that the illness affected her ability to compete. “It’s a different challenge,” she told People magazine at the time. “I can’t be cavalier with my body. I can’t just push myself without thinking what happens next. [Lyme Disease] can affect my stamina.”

 

Yolanda, Anwar & Bella Hadid

 

Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid, along with her children, fashion models Bella and Anwar Hadid, all have Lyme disease. In a 2016 speech at the Global Lyme Alliance, Yolanda said, “It’s hard for people to understand the invisible disability that owns our life especially behind the beautiful face that shines so bright on the covers of magazines.”
 

I've been bit by a tick - now what?

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If you think you have been bit by a tick and you become ill, the sooner you consult your health care provider the better to prevent complications. 

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 If you've been:

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• bitten by a tick and develop symptoms of Lyme disease

• to an area where blacklegged ticks may be found and develop symptoms of Lyme disease

 

It's important to know that you may not feel a tick attach to your skin or notice being bitten by a tick because ticks are tiny and their bites are usually painless. 

 

Tell your health care provider:

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• where on your body the tick was attached

• how long you think the tick was attached to you

• where you were (city and province) at the time you were bitten by the tick or may have been exposed to ticks

 

The only way you can prevent contracting tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, is by preventing tick bites. Eco-Tick Solutions Inc. has one goal - to prevent people from getting bit by ticks in the first place by providing only safe and effective products for people and pets. We work closely with people because we genuinely care. If we can effectively do our job and prevent this debilitating illness from infecting more people we will be continuing to fulfill our mission. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we are here for you!