May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

May is recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and it’s a time to spread knowledge about one of the fastest-growing illnesses in the U.S.

Generally transmitted through tick bites, Lyme disease can cause serious complications if it’s not diagnosed and treated early. While anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk, it’s especially important to understand how Lyme disease may affect people living with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV.

For individuals living with HIV, early detection and treatment of infections are crucial. Although Lyme disease isn’t considered an opportunistic infection, it can still present additional complications. Symptoms like fatigue, fever, joint pain, and cognitive challenges may overlap with or exacerbate existing health concerns, making diagnosis more complex. Immune suppression may also influence how the body responds to Lyme treatment, potentially requiring more careful monitoring or extended antibiotic therapy.

Raising awareness about Lyme disease — prevention, symptom recognition, and timely care — is vital for the health and well-being of all communities. For those living with HIV, it’s another reminder of the importance of regular checkups, open communication with healthcare providers, and taking steps to reduce exposure, such as using insect repellent and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.

For more information on Lyme disease, check out the article on Johns Hopkins' website. This month, let’s take the opportunity to educate ourselves, protect our health, and support one another — because awareness is the first step toward prevention.