In its latest guidelines, the French High Authority of Health (HAS) has emphasized the need for a personalized and multidisciplinary approach to treating Lyme disease, which has seen diminished attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. This call to action stems from the recognition of persistent symptoms in patients even after antibiotic treatment—a condition the HAS acknowledges as a legitimate and complex issue.
The HAS, revisiting its 2018 recommendations in light of current scientific understanding, aims to prevent medical uncertainty for patients affected by tick-borne infections. The authority stresses that long-term symptoms following antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease represent a recognized pathology that merits further investigation. These symptoms, which impact the daily lives and quality of life of patients, affect between 6% and 20% of those treated for Lyme borreliosis in Europe, though the underlying causes remain poorly understood.
The HAS had previously acknowledged the persistence of symptoms in its “Lyme plan” after extensive consultations, a stance that drew criticism from the French Academy of Medicine and several scientific societies. These bodies subsequently released their own recommendations, highlighting disagreements within the medical community.
The HAS underscores the necessity of enhancing both medical and public awareness of post-infectious syndrome as a standalone medical condition. Given the wide range and variability of symptoms, the HAS recommends a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that could include psychological support and physical rehabilitation.
These recommendations come at a time when the issue of chronic Lyme disease has lost media prominence, partly due to the discrediting of some of its proponents during the COVID-19 crisis. Conversely, the heightened awareness around post-infectious syndromes, such as long COVID, has brought renewed attention to similar conditions, including post-Lyme syndrome.
The HAS also advises on the protocol to follow when symptoms first appear, shortly after a tick bite. In most cases, a skin manifestation appears within 30 days, which is sufficient for a clinical diagnosis. However, if left undiagnosed, more severe neurological, rheumatological, or even cardiac and ophthalmological symptoms may develop over time. The standard diagnostic test remains the Lyme serological test, with antibiotic treatment recommended upon diagnosis.
As Lyme disease continues to be a public health concern, the HAS’s updated guidelines aim to provide clearer pathways for diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care and support to manage their condition effectively.
