Pediatric Lyme Disease

Our nation is in a crisis about novel Coronavirus COVID-19, and no one is more fearful than those with pre-existing conditions, such as Lyme disease.
According to some experts Lyme disease patients are at a high risk with the Coronavirus. Though anyone can develop a COVID-19 infection if they are exposed to the novel Coronavirus. Health officials have continued to stress that some groups of people, namely those who are older or have underlying health issues are particularly at risk for severe infection should they fall ill. Included in that group are Lyme disease patients. Patients who have Lyme disease have a severely impacted immune system. A big component of Lyme disease is a hyperactive immune system that is always in a state of inflammation. Nothing this factor in particular could make these patients more at risk for severe illness.
With some 300,000 Americans diagnosed with this tick-borne disease every year, Lyme disease patients could be adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in the U.S. Patients who have Lyme disease have a severely impacted immune system. The Coronavirus turns the immune systems against Lyme patients. It activates the immune system and it overly produces different cytokines. Coronavirus causes a cytokine storm and overproduction of cytokine, causing much of the damage in Coronavirus patients, such as pulmonary lung damage and pneumonia that ensues. The inflammation could be a component of the cardiovascular and neurological dysfunction, such as headaches and other neurological manifestations that are seen in Coronavirus patients as well. Lyme disease patients are faced with similar neurological symptoms like Coronavirus patients, such as pain, headaches, brain fog, etc. People who have Lyme disease are more susceptible because of their inability to fight off disease. People with Lyme disease are at a greater risk of incidence and severity of Coronavirus.  
We have to be very vigilant when it comes to ticks and Lyme disease. We also have to take a more pro active stance in our treatment and prevention of Coronavirus. If this is news then only to people who haven't been paying attention or have been so wrapped up in the panic that they didn't notice that young children with Lyme disease are at a very high risk.
The Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation has been inundated with requests for financial assistance. Unfortunately because of the corona virus donations have dropped off, forcing us to start a waiting list for grants. As Kiwanis club members it is our duty and moral obligation to help these children. If you or your club would like to honor someone in a way that is not to expensive maybe you would consider purchasing a Brittany Fellowship for $500 or an Emerald Brittany for $250 or our new diamond level emerald also for $250. There is also a Joseph Michael Wuest Fellowship pin for only $150 for five pins or maybe a straight out donation for any amount.
All donations well go a long way in helping the children with chronic Lyme disease. As always, thank you for taking the time to care and compassion share.

Column Posted on Web Site November 30, 2020