secondary exposure to Lyme disease

[valeriesmoon11]

is it possible to contract lyme disease after having it once and if so are there higher risk factors associated with it and what should be done?

[Ricobord]

Yes, someone can get it again.  It is bacterial, not viral, so there is no such thing as immunity. And a tick doesn't stop to ask if you've already had Lyme before it bites you. ;)

I also read about a study that showed that mice infected with more than one different strain of the bacteria were sicker than mice just infected with one.  That means if there were any leftover bacteria that survived previous treatment, and a new variety shows up, the poor victim would probably be sicker than the first time.

Some people think they might have been reinfected when they feel the symptoms of Lyme again.  But Lyme can survive antibiotics, which is why it can be difficult and time consuming to treat.  For some, a reinfection is really just a resurgence of Lyme left behind after being undertreated.

[mojogal]

Yes it is possible and it is also possible to be in remission for years and then it rears its ugly head again. I have heard if your immune system has been compromised once by it, it's easier for the critters to come back in. I have heard of people being on a low dose of doxy for years but I like Jackies idea of preventative supplements/herbs better.

[JackieCalifornia]

To my understanding, getting Lyme again is indeed possible because there is not strong, lasting immunity after an initial infection.  Lyme bacteria also are sneaky and hard for the immune system to detect, making it easier for re-infection to occur.

For example, 'strep throat' is a bacterial infection cased by streptococcal bacteria, and it is possible to get it more than once.  

Risk factors?  Living around ticks, which are pretty much everywhere.  

The usual protections of tucking in pants legs, using repellants, checking carefully for ticks after being outside, and seeing a doc promptly if symptoms do occur are about all there is to do.

I just searched online for

                        herbs repel ticks

and found lots of interesting stuff about planting herbs around the house to keep the ticks away.  Keeping yards clear of brush, checking yourself and your pets after being outside, etc., are advisable.

There was a supposed Lyme vaccine ("LymeRix") sold a few years ago, but it was withdrawn from the market.

Taking preventive herbs is a possible approach -- it's something I've thought about looking into but haven't done anything about it.

Others may have better suggestions and knowledge -- it's a good question you ask.