I see this word alot and was wondering what the heck it is

What does herx mean? It sounds like its a very bad thing from  what i read about what happens to people when they mention herx?

[wonko]

It is short for the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction that many patients experience during treatment.  When treatment kills off Lyme bacteria, waste that is harmful to the body can be released.  This can result in worsened, or even new symptoms.  This reaction is not typical of all infections, mostly just those caused by Spirochetal bacteria (like Lyme and syphilis.    

I was skeptical of Herx reactions, but have dealt a lot with them during treatment.  They are why it is often said that with Lyme disease, the patient often needs to get worse before they get better.