After an intense world tour, American singer Justin Timberlake shared a message on his Instagram account where he not only expressed how he feels after reconnecting with his fans, but also revealed shocking news: he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
The pop icon made the post on his social media after receiving criticism for not singing much during his concerts, so he decided to offer his followers an explanation.
ALSO READ Why was Shannon Sharpe fired from ESPN? Net worth
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes. If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” he wrote in the post.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
He noted that when he received the diagnosis, he was faced with many doubts about the future of his career, as he didn’t know whether to stop touring or continue with his scheduled concerts. Upon deciding to move forward, he chose to share his experience in order to help others who are also dealing with this disease. But what is this condition that has affected his performance on stage? We explain it below.
What is Lyme disease?
According to Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is an infection caused by the Borrelia bacteria, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Although these ticks are found in much of the United States, Lyme disease is more common in the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic states. It is also frequent in Europe and in south-central and southeastern Canada.
There is a risk of contracting Lyme disease if you spend time in areas where ticks are common, such as wooded, grassy, or bushy environments. Taking safety precautions in these areas can reduce the risk of infection.
ALSO READ Gilbert Arenas, former NBA player: why he was arrested and his net worth
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Lyme disease symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection.
In the early stage or Stage 1 (days or weeks after infection), signs and symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- General discomfort
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Stiff neck
- A flat or slightly raised red rash at the site of the tick bite
In Stage 2 (weeks or months after infection), symptoms include:
- Numbness or nerve pain
- Facial muscle paralysis or weakness
- Heart problems
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
In Stage 3 (months or years after infection), Lyme disease symptoms may include:
- Abnormal muscle movement
- Joint swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and tingling
- Speech difficulties
- Cognitive (thinking) problems
ALSO READ Did Ozzy Osbourne travel to Switzerland for assisted end-of-life care? What we know
Who is Justin Timberlake?
Justin Timberlake, born January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up in Shelby Forest, a rural community in the state. From a young age, he was surrounded by music thanks to his grandfather, who introduced him to country and gospel. At age 11, he made his TV debut on Star Search, using his middle name, Randall. Shortly after, he joined The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, where he shared the stage with future stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
In 1995, he became a member of the group NSYNC, which went on to achieve worldwide fame. Although the band saw great success, Timberlake launched his solo career in 2002 with the single “Like I Love You” and the album Justified. From there, his career soared with multiple successful albums like FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) and The 20/20 Experience (2013).
In addition to music, he has acted in films such as The Social Network and Friends with Benefits. He has also appeared on shows like Saturday Night Live, where he won an Emmy. In his personal life, he married Jessica Biel in 2012 and they have two children together. Timberlake remains a prominent figure in global entertainment.
