In a surprising health update, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of Serena Williams, has received a Lyme disease diagnosis.
The New York Post reported that a detailed health scan revealed Ohanian's Lyme disease diagnosis, despite his lack of typical symptoms and infrequent visits to areas known for the disease.
At the age of 41, Ohanian underwent a comprehensive health scan, which unexpectedly revealed Lyme disease. This diagnosis surprised him because he had minimal contact with environments typically associated with the disease, which is most commonly transmitted through tick bites.
Medical experts identify Lyme disease as caused by the Borrelia bacteria, leading to symptoms such as headaches, joint pain, and fatigue, typically emerging in the early stages. Despite these potential signs, Ohanian confirmed he had not experienced any symptoms before his diagnosis.
During his announcement, Ohanian disclosed details about his health metrics, including low levels of good cholesterol and only marginally acceptable levels of bad cholesterol. He reported positive testosterone levels, with 822 ng/dL total and 162 ng/dL free testosterone.
Ohanian shared his experience on social media, contrasting his symptom-free diagnosis with a family member's prior symptomatic experience with Lyme disease. He recounted that this relative had suffered extensively before receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.
With a substantial social media following, Ohanian has used his diagnosis to advocate for health awareness, urging his 500,000 followers to seek professional advice for any health-related issues. This is especially important given the confusion surrounding Lyme disease, which often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Lyme disease is not uncommon, with over 470,000 diagnoses annually in the United States alone. Fortunately, most cases respond effectively to a short course of antibiotics, typically lasting 10 to 14 days.
Despite his recent diagnosis, Ohanian has maintained a positive outlook and public presence. Just days before revealing his health situation, he appeared with his wife, Serena Williams, and their two children at the 2024 ESPY Awards. At the event, Serena Williams hosted and presented various awards, including the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Ohanian expressed his resolve with humor, commenting on his plans to combat the disease: "Anyway, gonna grab some antibiotics — can't keep me down, tick!" This lighthearted defiance underscores his proactive approach to his health despite the unexpected challenge.
Ohanian joins a list of celebrities who have openly shared their struggles with Lyme disease. Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, her mother Yolanda, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, and Amy Schumer have all spoken out about their personal experiences with the illness, highlighting its impact on various public figures.
Alexis Ohanian's diagnosis of Lyme disease, despite showing no apparent symptoms, serves as a stark reminder of the illness's unpredictable nature.
This surprising diagnosis impacts his life and amplifies the conversation surrounding Lyme disease and its many manifestations.
