Bella Hadid’s hospital photos spark lyme disease concern: Symptoms, causes, and treatment explained

Bella Hadid’s latest hospital photos have reignited concerns about Lyme disease — here’s what the condition is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments (Image: Bella Hadid/ Instagram)

Supermodel Bella Hadid recently worried fans after posting a series of photos that appeared to show her in a hospital or recovery setting. She looked frail and weak in several images, some with tubes and medical equipment nearby, while others showed glimpses of small comforts — coffee, flowers, and sunsets.

Her caption read: “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys.” Without explanation, followers immediately speculated about a possible Lyme disease relapse.

Bella has openly discussed her decade-long struggle with Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection that can cause chronic symptoms. In 2012,  Bella Hadid was first diagnosed with Lyme disease, her mother Yolanda Hadid, and brother Anwar also have had to fight the battle with the illness.

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What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease occurs when the bacterium is contracted due to the bite of the black-legged tick and is subsequently infected by the tick. Left alone, Lyme disease has the ability to spread to the joints, heart, and even the nervous system.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

• Muscle and headaches
• Fatigue, fever, and chills
• Bull’s-eye rash
• Swollen and painful joints
• Advanced stages, include neurological issues such as facial paralysis, tingling, and memory loss

Causes and Risk Factors

• Being outdoors and having clothing that is not either repellent or tick proof
• Bites from infected ticks in inaccessible regions like tall grass or wooded areas.
• Going outdoors and failing to examine clothing or body for ticks and not removing them.

• Amoxicillin or doxycycline oral antibiotics are the most common treatments.
• In more advanced cases, antibiotics administered intravenously would be necessary.
• Manage the patient’s symptoms more effectively; physical therapy, supportive care and pain relievers.
• Reduce the risk of exposure and check for ticks after outdoors activity, use repellent and cover arms.

FAQ about Lyme Disease

What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick.

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What are the common symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Common symptoms include muscle and headaches, fatigue, fever, chills, bull’s-eye rash, swollen and painful joints, and in advanced stages, neurological issues such as facial paralysis, tingling, and memory loss.

What causes Lyme Disease?
It is caused by being bitten by an infected black-legged tick, often found in tall grass or wooded areas.

What are the risk factors for Lyme Disease?
Risk factors include spending time outdoors without repellent or tick-proof clothing, and not checking for ticks after outdoor activities.

How is Lyme Disease treated?
The most common treatments are oral antibiotics like amoxicillin or doxycycline. In more advanced cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Managing symptoms may also involve physical therapy, supportive care, and pain relievers.

How can I reduce my risk of Lyme Disease?
To reduce risk, check for ticks after outdoor activities, use repellent, and wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.