Should people with lupus be especially concerned about COVID-19?

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Please note that every lupus patient is different. If you have specific questions about your condition and/or any new symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.

People with lupus are predisposed (at greater risk) to infections because of their disease as well as the medications they take to manage it. Click here for information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Rheumatology and other resources.

Are people with lupus at higher risk for COVID-19?

People with lupus are considered immunocompromised and so could be at greater risk for infections in general because of their underlying disease itself.

Are people who are taking immunosuppressive medications more susceptible to infections?

Currently, there is no specific data on the virus causing COVID-19 in patients with lupus. Thus, the rate and the severity of the infection in lupus patients is not yet known.

People taking immunosuppressive medications are considered to be immunocompromised and so could be at greater risk for infections in general. It’s best to consult with your healthcare professional for specific recommendations. You should not stop or alter your medications without consulting with your rheumatologist first.

Not all people with lupus take immunosuppressive medications.

For people who are at higher risk the CDC recommends:

During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. Also avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

Have supplies on hand.

When going out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash hands often.

What should people with lupus do if they think they have COVID-19?

The CDC and other experts in rheumatic diseases recommend that people contact their healthcare provider If they develop a fever, shortness of breath or a cough.

This is particularly important if they have travelled to areas with outbreaks or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 infection.

Should people with lupus avoid travel? Crowds? Work?

The CDC recommends that people with chronic illnesses (such as lupus) avoid crowds and non-essential travel as much as possible. Staying home as much as they can is also recommended to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus.

How can people with lupus protect themselves from COVID-19?

For people who are immunocompromised, which would include those with lupus, the CDC recommends:

During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Have supplies on hand.

When going out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash hands often.

Also avoid cruise traveland non-essential air travel.

The CDC also recommends that everyone take the following steps to prevent infection:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when not near soap and water

Clean and disinfect areas that are often touched

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Is there guidance for increased feelings of anxiety and depression that COVID-19 might be causing?

The CDC offers guidance on Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19.

The World Health Organization(WHO) also offers information on dealing with the stress of COVID-19.

Click here for more information about COVID-19 from the Lupus Research Alliance.

Resources on COVID-19:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

American College of Rheumatology

National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

SOURCE: lupusresearch.org/covid-19-...

LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS): lupus-support.org/topic/318...