Lyme Disease Awareness Month is observed every May to spotlight a rapidly growing public health crisis. With hundreds of thousands affected each year, this month is a crucial opportunity to educate communities, support patients, and advocate for funding and research into this complex disease.
Understanding a Silent Epidemic
Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. It is now the fastest-growing vector-borne illness in the United States. Despite this alarming trend, Lyme disease remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and severely underfunded.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates over 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually. However, due to misdiagnosis and inaccurate testing, the actual number may be significantly higher.
Why Lyme Disease Awareness Month Is So Important
Lyme Disease Awareness Month isn’t just a symbolic observance—it’s a powerful platform to:
- Educate the public on prevention and symptoms
- Encourage early testing and diagnosis
- Advocate for more research funding
- Support individuals and families affected by Lyme
The Testing Crisis: A Hidden Obstacle
One of the biggest barriers in Lyme treatment is inaccurate testing. The conventional two-tier system (ELISA followed by Western blot) often misses early-stage infections, especially before the body produces detectable antibodies. This leaves many patients untreated, allowing the infection to spread and worsen.
Top Specialty Labs for Tick-Borne Disease Testing
These labs offer more comprehensive and accurate testing than standard methods:
These advanced diagnostics can identify multiple strains and co-infections, increasing the chances of timely, accurate diagnosis.
“The Great Imitator”: A Disease That Masks Itself
Lyme disease can impact nearly every body system—neurological, cardiovascular, muscular, and immune. Its wide range of symptoms leads to frequent misdiagnosis, earning it the nickname “The Great Imitator.”
Common misdiagnoses include:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases
- Mental health disorders
These misdiagnoses often result in years—or even decades—of incorrect treatments.
Funding Disparities: A Barrier to Progress
Despite affecting hundreds of thousands annually, Lyme disease receives only a fraction of the research funding compared to other infectious diseases and chronic illnesses like HIV or cancer. to compare, West Nile research is funded at 75x the rate of Lyme disease.
The Funding Gap Impacts:
- Development of accurate, early-stage diagnostics
- Long-term treatment research
- Physician education and updated clinical guidelines
This lack of funding is a direct obstacle to scientific progress and effective patient care.
Tick Boot Camp: Empowering the Lyme Disease Community Through Storytelling and Support
One of the most impactful voices during Lyme Disease Awareness Month is Tick Boot Camp—a leading podcast and online platform dedicated to Lyme disease education, advocacy, and patient empowerment. This widely respected show amplifies the voices of those affected by tick-borne illnesses, from patients and caregivers to leading medical professionals and researchers.
Each May, Tick Boot Camp hosts its annual “Lyme Hackathon”—a powerful social media campaign where Lyme warriors share short videos with their best recovery “hacks.” These tips often include insights into treatment protocols, nutrition strategies, mental health tools, and self-care routines that have helped them navigate the challenges of Lyme disease.
The Lyme Hackathon not only provides practical advice—it fosters community, normalizes patient experiences, and helps spread awareness to the wider public. Beyond May, Tick Boot Camp continues its mission year-round through in-depth interviews and educational content that brings the realities of chronic Lyme into the spotlight.
For many in the community, Tick Boot Camp is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline.
Learn more at: tickbootcamp.com
How to Take Action During Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Increasing awareness during Lyme Disease Awareness Month can lead to early diagnosis, better outcomes, and systemic change. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Wear Lime Green – Show support and spark conversations
- Share Stories & Facts Online – Use hashtags like #LymeAwarenessMonth, #TickTalk, and #EndLyme
- Educate Your Community – Share flyers, host a local event, or create support groups
- Fundraise for Research – Support Lyme-focused organizations
- Contact Lawmakers – Push for federal funding and insurance coverage reforms
Awareness Saves Lives
Lyme Disease Awareness Month is more than just a campaign—it’s a chance to change lives. By educating the public, pushing for improved testing and treatments, and advocating for policy reform, we can reduce misdiagnoses and prevent chronic suffering.
Let’s make this May count. Spread awareness, support research, and help bring Lyme disease into the national spotlight—because lives depend on it.
