If you’ve been diagnosed with Lyme disease—or suspect you may have it—but still feel unwell despite treatment, there may be another piece of the puzzle: co-infections.
Tick bites don’t just transmit one type of bacteria. In many cases, ticks carry multiple pathogens that can be passed to the body at the same time. These are known as Lyme co-infections, and they can significantly impact how symptoms present, how severe they become, and how the body responds to treatment.
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we take a comprehensive approach to uncovering and addressing co-infections so patients can finally experience real progress in their healing journey.
What Are Lyme Co-Infections?
Lyme co-infections are additional infections transmitted alongside Lyme disease through a tick bite. While Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, ticks can also carry other bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
Common Lyme Co-Infections Include:
- Babesia
- Bartonella
- Ehrlichia
- Anaplasma
Each of these infections affects the body differently—and when combined, they can create complex and overlapping symptoms.
Why Co-Infections Matter
Many patients don’t fully recover from Lyme disease because co-infections are overlooked or undiagnosed. Treating Lyme alone may not address the full picture.
Co-Infections Can:
- Intensify symptoms
- Cause new or different symptoms
- Slow down recovery
- Make treatment more complex
This is why a root-cause, whole-body approach is so important.
Symptoms of Common Co-Infections
Because co-infections affect different systems in the body, symptoms can vary widely.
Babesia (Parasite-like Infection)
Often affects red blood cells and oxygen delivery.
Symptoms may include:
- Night sweats
- Air hunger (feeling unable to take a deep breath)
- Fatigue
- Chills or fever
Bartonella (Bacterial Infection)
Can impact the nervous system and blood vessels.
Symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or mood changes
- Nerve pain or burning sensations
- Foot pain (especially in the morning)
- Skin changes or stretch-mark-like rashes
Ehrlichia & Anaplasma (Bacterial Infections)
These can affect white blood cells and immune function.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Why Symptoms Can Feel Confusing
When Lyme disease and co-infections are present together, symptoms often overlap and fluctuate. You may feel better one day and worse the next, or experience symptoms that don’t seem to follow a clear pattern.
This complexity is one reason many patients are misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are unrelated.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Co-Infections
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we don’t just look at one diagnosis—we look at the entire system. Co-infections are addressed as part of a comprehensive healing plan designed to support your body on multiple levels.
1. Comprehensive Testing and Assessment
We begin by evaluating your symptoms, history, and potential exposures to identify patterns that may indicate co-infections.
2. Supporting the Immune System
A strong immune system is key to addressing both Lyme disease and co-infections. We focus on strengthening your body’s natural defenses.
3. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic infections often trigger ongoing inflammation. Calming this response helps reduce symptoms and improve overall function.
4. Detoxification Support
As your body works to clear infections, detox pathways must be supported to prevent buildup of toxins that can worsen symptoms.
5. Nervous System Regulation
Co-infections—especially Bartonella—can significantly impact the nervous system. Supporting balance in this system can improve symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue.
6. Personalized Treatment Plans
No two patients are the same. Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique symptoms, health history, and goals.
Why Healing Takes Time
When multiple infections are involved, healing is often not a quick fix. It’s a layered process that requires patience and ongoing support.
Functional medicine recognizes that:
- The body needs time to rebalance
- Symptoms may shift as healing progresses
- Progress is often gradual but meaningful
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we guide you through each phase of the process with care and attention.
When to Consider Co-Infections
You may want to explore the possibility of co-infections if:
- Your symptoms persist despite Lyme treatment
- You experience a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple systems
- Your symptoms fluctuate or worsen over time
- You feel like you’re not getting clear answers
Looking beyond Lyme disease alone can be a key step toward true healing.
You’re Not Missing a Piece—You Just Haven’t Found It Yet
If you’ve been struggling with ongoing symptoms, it’s not in your head—and you’re not alone. Co-infections are often the missing link in complex Lyme cases.
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we’re here to help you uncover the full picture and create a path forward. With the right support, your body can begin to heal.
Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward understanding your symptoms—and reclaiming your health.
