People with lupus may be more likely to catch the flu, and more likely to have serious health problems if they catch the flu. That’s because: Having lupus means that the body’s immune system doesn’t work correctly to protect you from illnesses like the flu.
Can flu make lupus worse?
additionally, research has shown that getting a flu infection can trigger lupus flares and increase the risk of hospitalization.
Is it bad to get sick if you have lupus?
Lupus can cause serious kidney damage, and kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death among people with lupus. Brain and central nervous system. If your brain is affected by lupus, you may experience headaches, dizziness, behavior changes, vision problems, and even strokes or seizures.
Can getting sick trigger a lupus flare?
While a person’s genes may increase the chance that he or she will develop lupus, it takes some kind of external trigger to set off the illness or to bring on a flare. Other known triggers can include infections, colds or viral illnesses, exhaustion, severe exposure to ultraviolet rays, or an injury.
What happens when someone with lupus get the flu Related Questions
Can you take antibiotics if you have lupus?
Sulfa antibiotics, a class of drugs commonly used to treat infections, should be used very carefully in people with lupus. These drugs can increase sensitivity to light and skin rashes, and can lower white blood cell counts.
Does a cold make lupus worse?
It places additional stress on your body. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, it can increase your incidence and severity of your condition. The main cause for this flare up is due to the cold-induced spasms in your small blood vessels in low temperatures.
Can flu cause autoimmune flare?
Complications of influenza infection are not only a consequence of acute infection but can also present as late autoimmune response.
How do you calm down lupus?
A daily walk or swim, for example, can lower stress, clear your head, improve your mood, and help fight tiredness. Use meditation, yoga, or guided imagery to relax. Get plenty of rest. Some people with lupus need up to 12 hours of sleep every night.
What not to do with lupus?
(1) Sunlight. People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. (2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. (3) Garlic. (4) Alfalfa Sprouts. (5) Echinacea.
What organ does lupus affect the most?
Kidneys About one half of people with lupus experience kidney involvement, and the kidney has become the most extensively studied organ affected by lupus.
What is the most serious form of lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and most serious type of lupus. SLE affects all parts of the body.
Can you be hospitalized because of lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with an increased risk of hospitalization. Multiple studies have reported SLE flare, infection, and cardiovascular (CV) events as the most common reasons for hospitalization.
What are the signs that lupus is getting worse?
Feeling more tired. Pain. Rash. Fever. Stomach ache. Severe headache. Dizziness.
What virus triggers lupus?
Viruses that have been linked to lupus include: Cytomegalovirus. Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
What makes lupus better?
Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following: Hydroxychloroquine: an antimalarial drug that is effective for treating lupus-related arthritis and rashes. It reduces flares by 50 percent and may also help prevent blood clots.
What does garlic do to lupus patients?
Substances in garlic, such as allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, can boost white blood cells, which ordinarily help the body fight disease. For patients with lupus, however, this charge to the immune system can lead to flare ups. Small amounts of garlic may not cause problems, but it should be avoided when possible.
What vitamins should be avoided with lupus?
Summary. People with lupus should avoid certain supplements, including echinacea, spirulina, and vitamin E. These supplements may increase the immune system response and trigger lupus symptoms. It is also helpful to avoid excess sun exposure, salt, and alfalfa sprouts, which may also make symptoms worse.
What vitamins are good for lupus?
Vitamins. Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet. Vitamin C can increase your ability to absorb iron and is a good source of antioxidants.
What happens when someone with an autoimmune disease gets a cold?
Viruses like the influenza (flu) and rhinovirus (common cold) tend to aggravate autoimmune diseases because they cause the immune system to flare in response to the virus. Symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chills and fever are all symptoms of your immune system acting to fight the virus.
What are the symptoms of lupus pneumonia?
Acute Lupus Pneumonitis The condition is characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dry cough that may bring up blood. Acute lupus pneumonitis requires immediate treatment with high dose steroids and possibly immunosuppressive medications.