Lyme Hope

This is a scary reality!

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TRUE.

Lyme disease has more estimated new cases each year than Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and West Nile Virus combined — yet it remains one of the most underfunded infectious diseases in the country.

For a disease this widespread, federal funding still has not reflected the reality patients are living. HHS recently renewed its commitment to Lyme disease diagnostics and care, and we’re encouraged by that momentum. Continued, sustained investment is essential to drive real change for patients.

Tick season is here! If you think you will easily spot a tick, think again.

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Ticks can be found anywhere in Ontario and across Canada. Migratory birds are their biggest carrier. They are no longer just in forrest’s or tall grasses. They can be found in backyards, school grounds, football fields etc. We cannot stress enough, how important it is to do those ticks checks every time you come in from outdoors. As well, don’t forget a good quality tick repellent.

We never want to scare anyone from enjoying the outdoors, but we want you to be aware.

Tick related ER visits are currently at an all time high.

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Here is a reference chart of the different kinds of ticks that can be found in Canada. And yes, the Lonestar tick has been found in Ontario.

No tick bite is a safe tick bite.

Do those tick checks every time you come in from outside.

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Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) develops gelatinous masses called biofilms for increased survival. Theses persister colonies consist of spirochetes, granules and cysts, and reside in a dormant, non-dividing state. These jelly-like masses protect Bb against the immune system and antibiotic therapy. Biofilms always indicate chronicity of infection; these colonies perpetuate Bb by also resisting anti-Lyme herbs and innate immune response. Since Bb shifts from one physical from to another, knowledge of diverse froms is vital for planning treatment strategy.

When an infected tick feeds on a host, it regurgitates spirochete-laden fluids into the host. Not only does Bb move via blood, it migrates through skin and connective tissue. Bb has different physical and biochemical characteristics depending on whether it is residing in a vector tick, or present in a suitable, warm-blooded host.

Written by John D. Scott

Sadly I see Lyme disease everywhere now.

May is Lyme month
It is an important notation to pay attention to as the ticks start to appear in larger amounts throughout the environment.
Please be safe.
Wear gloves when gardening. Wear long white socks to better see ticks that climb up your leg.
Most important, do a tick scan when you come in from outside.