Tick-borne illnesses are far more prevalent and dangerous than most people realize. In our latest episode with Shira Haid, creator of Lemon or Lime, we delve into the often misunderstood world of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Shira’s personal journey with these conditions has transformed her into a passionate advocate, bringing critical information to both sufferers and the general public through her YouTube channel and emerging social media presence.
One of the most alarming revelations from our conversation is how widespread ticks actually are. Contrary to popular belief, ticks aren’t limited to Connecticut or heavily wooded areas—they exist practically everywhere except Antarctica. They can thrive in suburban backyards, city parks, and yes, even in desert states like Arizona at higher elevations. This universal presence makes tick awareness crucial for everyone, not just hikers or outdoor enthusiasts. Prevention becomes everyone’s responsibility when we understand that these tiny creatures can dramatically alter lives with a single bite.
The medical misinformation surrounding tick-borne diseases is equally concerning. The CDC continues to claim that ticks need to be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit disease, when in reality, infections like Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes. Additionally, only 20-30% of people with Lyme disease ever develop the famous “bullseye” rash, meaning that the majority of cases lack this telltale sign. These misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses, allowing infections to progress to chronic stages that are much harder to treat.
Prevention remains the best approach to tick-borne illnesses. Shira shared valuable practical advice, including treating clothing with permethrin (a tick repellent), using Picaridin lotion on exposed skin, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. For hunters and hikers, specialized clothing with elastic cuffs around ankles and wrists can provide additional protection. Regular lawn maintenance also helps reduce tick populations around homes, as these parasites prefer longer grass and yard debris like woodpiles.
The concept of “co-infections” emerged as a critical aspect of tick-borne disease complexity. Co-infections occur when multiple pathogens infect a person simultaneously, often making diagnosis and treatment much more challenging. Shira herself experienced the “three Bs”—Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Bartonella, and Babesia. What’s particularly troubling is that some of these infections, like Babesia, can be transmitted not only by ticks but also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even congenital transmission from mother to baby. This wider transmission pathway makes these infections a broader public health concern beyond tick exposure.
Perhaps most disturbing is the emergence of Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne condition that causes allergic reactions to mammalian meat and products. Unlike typical food allergies that trigger immediate reactions, Alpha-gal reactions can occur hours after consuming beef, pork, or other mammalian products, making the connection difficult to identify. With approximately 70% of medications containing some form of mammalian ingredient, persons with Alpha-gal syndrome face significant treatment limitations.
Shira’s mission with Lemon or Lime goes beyond awareness—she hopes to influence medical education so that future healthcare providers will better recognize and treat these conditions. Early diagnosis remains crucial, as prompt treatment can prevent the devastating chronic symptoms that Shira and millions of others continue to experience. By combining education, advocacy, and community support, Shira exemplifies how personal suffering can transform into a powerful force for positive change in the chronic illness community.
