Avril Lavigne In Tears Over Lyme Disease Fight

Avril Lavigne has spoken for the first time about her months away from the public eye after her diagnosis with Lyme disease.

The Sk8ter Boi singer has been bedridden since October after contracting the debilitating bacterial infection which is transmitted by ticks.

In a tearful interview with Good Morning America, Lavigne, 30, revealed it took two months for doctors to confirm that she had the disease.

"They would pull up their computer and be like, 'Chronic fatigue syndrome'. Or, 'Why don't you try to get out of bed, Avril, and just go play the piano?' It's like, 'Are you depressed?'

"I started going to other doctors and, like, specifically telling them and asking, like, 'I have Lyme disease. I know I do. Can you check me?'" she said.

"Then I finally figured out, 'Find a Lyme specialist'."

Lavigne, who is married to Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger, said her family and friends have helped her through the tough times.

She was sent hundreds of videos from fans telling her to get better soon.

Lavigne said she felt like her recovery is her "second shot at life".

Ticks, the tiny spider-like creatures which spread the disease, are found in woodland and heath areas and feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans.

The first symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to flu, with some people also developing a circular rash around the tick bite.

Later symptoms include pain and swelling in the joints and problems with the nervous system and heart.

You should see your GP if you think you have been bitten by a tick or have any symptoms of Lyme disease. It can be treated with antibiotics.