Ticks Bite Famous People Too - 10 Celebrities Living with Lyme Disease
Ticks do not care who they latch onto, as long as it is a warm body. Anyone can get Lyme disease - even famous people. From high-profile musicians such as Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber to big-time comedians like Ben Stiller and Amy Schumer, there are plenty of well-known people who struggle with this debilitating, tick-borne disease. Having fame and fortune might get you some things, but when it comes to diseases and illnesses, we are all equal.
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease from a tick bite, know you are not alone. There are many others who suffer from this disease, like the following famous people who have opened up about their life-changing diagnoses. Why do so many celebrities have Lyme disease? They don't-it's just that anyone can get infected, and more people are talking about it these days, which is a good thing for everyone. The more awareness is brought to this disease-and others like it-the less stigma there is on it, and we can just dive into treatments and possible cures.
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 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
This isn't the family business they all wanted to get into. 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."
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
While also battling multiple sclerosis, actress Makie-Lynn Sigler has Lyme disease. In January 2016, The Sopranos actress disclosed she was diagnosed with Lyme disease the year before finding out she has multiple sclerosis, which she has had for decades.
Riley Keough
Daughter of Danny Keough and the late daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough stated in June 2023 for her cover story for Daisy Jones & the Six that even getting out of bed was overwhelming at times.
George W. Bush
Even being President of the United States won't stop you from potentially getting Lyme disease. Former President Georg W. Bush was infected in 2007, when he noticed the tell-tale red rash in the give-away bull's eye shape, but his annual exam confirmed things.
Rebecca Wells
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood author Rebecca Wells was diagnosed with Lyme disease back in 2004. She advocated for herself when she noticed neurological symptoms and after 12 doctors and seven years, was able to get the diagnosis.
Trust MosquitoNix ® to protect your outdoor spaces
As the celebrities above can attest, finding ticks on you, your family or around your home is cause for concern. It doesn't matter who you are, if there is a tick, there is a chance you could become infected with a virus if it bites you long enough.
If you do find a tick on yourself, a family member or a pet, be sure to remove it carefully with tweezers as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Do not crush the body of the tick, as this may spread bacteria and disease. If you have a reaction to a bite that has already occurred, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The best way to protect you and your family from tick bites is to prevent them from biting you in the first place, which means keeping them as far away from your home and yard as possible. Call our team of experts in pest control today. Specialists from MosquitoNix will come to your home or business and will set up a system that will ensure your home is tick-free once again. Whatever your outdoor space looks like, a tailored plan of action is best to keep the pests away from your loved ones. We offer indoor and outdoor treatments on your property and can create a specific plan for you. Learn more by calling for a for a free estimate today.
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