American supermodel Bella Hadid periodically shares glimpses into her life with chronic illness on Instagram. In a recent slideshow from September 2025, she documented receiving various treatments at a specialized medical facility. Another post from August 2023 showed Hadid with an intravenous catheter, revealing her battle with Lyme disease for over 100 days and years of hidden suffering. The post received significant engagement with about three million likes and 19,000 comments, including expressions of support and shared experiences from followers.
While Lyme disease is a recognized infection with symptoms like pain, fatigue, and muscle aches, some public figures, such as Bella Hadid, Justin Timberlake, and Justin Bieber, claim to have chronic Lyme disease, a condition not acknowledged by mainstream medicine. This term is controversial and is often used by alternative practitioners to describe ongoing symptoms attributed to persistent Lyme infection without positive test results from approved Lyme disease tests.
Experts caution against the unregulated private testing and treatment landscape surrounding chronic Lyme, emphasizing potential risks associated with unproven therapies. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites, can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While most cases are resolved with early antibiotic treatment, some individuals continue to experience symptoms post-treatment, referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).
The confusion between Lyme disease, chronic Lyme, and PTLDS has led to misconceptions about ongoing treatment needs. Despite claims of persistent infection, medical experts argue against the existence of viable evidence supporting this concept. The proliferation of unproven treatments and tests in the chronic Lyme industry poses potential harm to individuals seeking relief from debilitating symptoms.
Private clinics offering questionable treatments, such as hyperthermia therapy and long-term antibiotic use, prey on vulnerable individuals seeking solutions. These practices can lead to serious consequences, as illustrated by personal accounts like Feile O’Connell’s experience with life-threatening complications following treatment in Mexico. The lack of effective long-term healthcare options and research into chronic illnesses further exacerbates the allure of unverified treatments within the chronic Lyme industry.
In light of these challenges, increased empathy, understanding, and research funding are crucial to addressing the unmet needs of individuals grappling with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. As the debate continues in the medical community, the importance of evidence-based practices and patient-centered care remains paramount in navigating the complexities of chronic Lyme management.
