Rib pain is a lesser-known but common symptom of Babesia, a tick-borne parasite often found alongside Lyme disease. This malaria-like infection disrupts red blood cells, strains the spleen and liver, and triggers oxygen stress that can lead to aching, pressure, or tightness in the ribcage. Recognizing the connection between Babesia and rib pain can help patients find answers sooner, receive proper treatment, and explore supportive strategies for relief.

Lyme disease is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed illnesses, in part because lab tests are unreliable. The bacteria can hide in tissues, change forms, and even suppress the immune system — making detection difficult. That’s why Lyme is primarily a clinical diagnosis, based on symptoms, history of tick exposure, and physician expertise. Relying on tests alone risks delays, misdiagnosis, and worsening health, while a clinical approach ensures patients get the timely care they deserve.

If you’re dealing with mold illness, Lyme disease, or chronic infections, hydration isn’t optional — it’s medicine. Proper hydration and electrolyte balance can make the difference between feeling weighed down by toxins and supporting your body’s ability to heal.

Learn how to prepare for hurricane season when living with chronic illness or disability. This comprehensive guide covers medications, power needs, emergency kits, evacuation tips, and more—so you can stay safe and supported during severe weather.

The idea of a Lyme vaccine sounds promising—and for many, it feels long overdue. But protection against one bacteria isn’t the same as protection against the full spectrum of tick-borne illnesses. In this article, we explore what the upcoming Lyme vaccine can and can’t do, why prevention and education are still critical, and how history reminds us that patient voices must stay at the center of the conversation.

Heartland virus is a serious, emerging tickborne illness spread by Lone Star ticks, with most reported cases in the Midwest and Southern U.S. Unlike bacterial infections like Lyme disease, this viral illness can cause dangerously low white blood cell counts (leukopenia), leaving patients vulnerable to secondary infections and complications. In this post, we explore how Heartland virus affects the immune system, why leukopenia occurs, and what steps you can take to protect yourself from this little-known but serious threat.

Hair loss isn’t the first thing most people associate with Lyme disease—but for many patients, it’s a frustrating and emotional part of the journey. From diffuse shedding to patchy bald spots near tick bites, the mechanisms behind Lyme-related hair loss are complex and often overlooked. This guide breaks down why it happens, how co-infections and inflammation play a role, and what you can do to support regrowth—from targeted treatments to detox and nutritional support.

In a recent blog post, Lyme Advise engages the community by presenting a unique opportunity to have their pressing questions answered by Dr. Steven Bock, a renowned Integrative Lyme Specialist from Rhinebeck, New York. Dr. Bock, an ILADS founding member and current board member, brings nearly three decades of experience in treating Lyme and tick-borne diseases, making up about 75 percent of his practice. From his approach to new treatments like UVL therapy to tackling complex cases of chronic Lyme, Dr. Bock shares valuable insights, emphasizing Lyme as a clinical diagnosis and exploring various therapeutic options. This Q&A touches on everything from the potential genetic factors affecting Lyme's persistence to the safety of pregnancy in Lyme patients, offering a wealth of knowledge to both patients and practitioners.