Bella Hadid has opened up about her experience living with long-term Lyme disease. The impact this has on her physical and mental well-being was reported by her fans through Instagram stories on June 25, 2026. Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease back in 2013 and has been suffering from the effects of long-term Lyme disease. She said she experiences severe flare-ups where she suffers from brain fog, fatigue and pain. Bella explained the severity of the unpredictable symptoms of Lyme disease, saying: “I couldn’t get rid of this flare-up… I slept for 11 hours. Again… I took naps every day. I took all the protocols from each and every doctor I visited. However, nothing helps. IFYKY.”
According to a study published in the journal Journal of Vector Borne Diseaseswarmer temperatures will make tick-borne diseases much more common. This will also add to the 3,000 to 5,000 suspected cases already reported in India. Although it is relatively rare compared to its prevalence in the US and Europe. But Lyme disease is generally underdiagnosed due to low awareness and the overlap of the disease’s symptoms with other diseases.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that occurs when a person is bitten by a tick carrying the Borrelia bacteria. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected black-legged tick and is primarily found in densely populated natural areas.
How Lyme disease spreads
The spread of the disease begins with the bite of an infected tick carrying the bacterial strain that causes the disease. The owner faces increased risk when visiting wooded or grassy areas and spending more time outdoors.
The tick remains attached to its host for 24 to 48 hours to allow the infection to spread, meaning that catching it early and taking the right steps can help avoid serious symptoms.
Lyme Disease Symptoms: Early Signs
Lyme disease, when spread in the host’s body, leads to the appearance of signs that you need to be aware of in order to promptly seek treatment for a faster recovery.
Early symptoms (3-30 days)
Early symptoms of Lyme disease may appear 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that a tick bite can cause the following:
- Fever, fatigue, headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Bull’s eye rash (erythema migrans)
Later symptoms (if left untreated)
Lyme disease can progress if the tick is not removed and the bacteria are left to spread the infection in the host. Symptoms of Lyme disease are:
- Arthritis, joint swelling
- Nervous system problems
- Cardiac complications
Chronic symptoms
If Lyme disease is not treated, the maximum recovery period of 6 months may be exceeded. This can lead to chronic symptoms that may worsen and require active management to alleviate. These chronic symptoms may include:
- Brain fog
- Extreme fatigue
- There may be anxiety and pain.
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Why Lyme Disease Is Often Missed or Misdiagnosed
Lyme disease is missed or misdiagnosed because symptoms can resemble the flu and other illnesses. This causes confusion and people ignore much needed and timely diagnostic testing for Lyme disease. Another factor that may contribute to a misdiagnosis is the rash, which may not appear in all cases of Lyme disease. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 20% of patients do not develop a rash after a tick bite, but are infected and have Lyme disease. For these reasons, Lyme disease has been called the “great imitator.”
How is Lyme disease diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on a two-step antibody test that detects bacterial infection. It is based on symptoms and tracking the patient’s medical history, since knowing when the tick exposure occurred is critical.
Early diagnosis of Lyme disease is critical to preventing complications because once it becomes chronic, flare-ups are difficult to control. Prompt antibiotic treatment and early diagnosis can improve patient outcomes.
When to see a doctor
If you notice a tick bite, fever, or rash after being outdoors, you should seek medical attention.
Other symptoms that require a visit to the doctor are persistent fatigue or unexplained pain that does not go away with topical medications.
The disease progresses if you experience neurological symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can be avoided by following prevention tips, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. Here are tips you can follow:
- If possible, avoid tick-prone areas, as exposure to ticks increases the likelihood of contracting Lyme disease.
- Wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of tick bites.
- Use insect repellents as ticks will not be able to bite you if you use strong smelling and effective repellents.
- Remove ticks quickly because the longer they remain on your body, the more likely they are to spread bacteria and cause infection.
Bella Hadid’s chronic Lyme disease is a wake-up call to pay more attention to the early symptoms of the disease. Prompt treatment and following prevention tips are essential to avoid serious health consequences.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.