Pediatric Lyme Disease

The world is currently in the midst of a coronavirus epidemic that is fraught with rumors, gossip, and unreliable information.
Because children with Lyme disease may be immuno-compromised and thus more susceptible to infection, I'll share what I've learned about the coronavirus and what you can do to protect your children, yourself, and community.
The first human coronavirus was discovered in the 1960's as one of the causes of the common cold. There are hundreds of other viruses linked to upper respiratory infections, including rhinoviruses and flu viruses. The current coronavirus causes "coronavirus disease 2019", abbreviated COVID-19. It can cause a more severe respiratory illness in humans than the average coronavirus. At the worst, COVID-19 can cause pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases, death. The CDC web page which I read almost every day shares what is currently known about COVID-19.    
As with all viral illnesses, everyone who interacts with others is at risk for getting corona viruses. And just like the flu, certain people are at a higher risk for developing severe illness. Based on preliminary information, those at the highest risk for developing serious complications or death from COVID-19 include: older people (especially those over 60), people with serious medical conditions like: cardiovascular disease (heart disease), chronic respiratory disease (lung disease), hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, cancer, and those who are immuno-compromised (Lyme disease and others with compromised immune systems). Lyme disease sufferers know their immune system is weakened when they are infected with Borelia burgdorferi. A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to attack. Those with chronically weak immune systems are likely to get infections more frequently than most other people, and these illnesses might be more severe or harder to treat.  
Thousands who have been exposed to the coronavirus have been asked to quarantine themselves. This means avoiding unnecessary travel and staying out of crowded places, stay at home unless you become so ill you need to see a doctor, no work, no school, no church, no social events, and no unnecessary shopping (if you don't have supplies, you will need someone to bring them to your doorstep), and if you live with others, you must stay in your room (if you need to come out of your room, you must wear a mask).
While this may seem obvious for the Lyme community, the best way to bolster the immune system is to simply eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and minimize stress. Here's my plea to the Lyme community: let's do everything within our power to help slow this thing down and keep ourselves protected. May God bless you all and remember, stay in, stay safe, and stay healthy.               

Column Posted on Web Site April 7, 2020