TikTok personality Kyle Prue, 26, recently revealed his ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, a battle he has faced since being diagnosed at the age of 17. Inspired by the mixed reactions to Bella Hadid’s announcement of her recovery from Lyme disease, Prue decided to share his own experiences to address misconceptions and stigma surrounding the illness.
In his TikTok video posted Thursday, Prue expressed his frustration with the skepticism Hadid encountered after sharing her health journey on Instagram. “Punching down at sick people in the name of celebrity gossip? Man, it’s felt really f***ing horrible. And really alienating,” he said.
Prue, who is known for his TikTok series “How To Piss Off Men” and his YouTube series “Rabbit,” as well as founding the nonprofit Sparking Literacy, disclosed that Lyme disease has significantly impacted his life, leading to non-functioning organs and a daily regimen of medication. He refrained from detailing all his symptoms but emphasized the lifelong impact of the disease.
Addressing the public’s reaction to Hadid’s heartfelt statement, Prue noted, “Instead of this being met with sympathy, which I would expect, I have seen it met with a lot of vitriol and a lot of conspiracy speculation.” He criticized the spread of misinformation, including the belief that Lyme disease is easily treatable and not a serious condition.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks, can lead to severe complications if not properly treated. According to the CDC, the disease affects approximately 476,000 people annually in the U.S., causing issues such as Lyme arthritis, Lyme carditis, and neurological Lyme. While many patients recover after antibiotic treatment, some experience persistent symptoms known as Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Prue shared his emotional struggle with the online discourse about Lyme disease, stating, “I have heard it said that it’s a fake illness that rich people have made up … Basically [people are] saying that Lyme disease does not actually really exist, at least not in the long-term sense.” He explained that he had not disclosed his diagnosis earlier due to fear of being belittled.
This video marks a significant departure from Prue’s usual content, highlighting his determination to educate the public and support others suffering from Lyme disease. By sharing his story, Prue hopes to foster understanding and compassion for those battling this often misunderstood illness.