How does the Corona Virus affect people with Auto-Immune sicknesses such as Lupus?

[loopy4me]

How does the Corona Virus affect people with Auto-Immune sicknesses such as Lupus? Since our immune systems are stronger than it should such that is attacks our own body, you would think the strong auto-immune system would benefit fighting off the virus. Being only on Hydrochloroquine, which is not an immunosuppressant, I would think my chances of contracting corona virus would be minimized. I could understand that if I get the corona virus, it would probably cause a flare up.

[PMRpro]

Don't consider them as stronger - but deranged. They aren't working properly. You can't be sure - and no-one really knows what is likely to happen.

Take all the precautions that are being recommended. And be strict about them.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi loopy4me ,

As PMRpro has said, the immune systems of people with lupus wouldn't generally be considered 'stronger'. In fact, neutropenia is a common symptom of lupus, causing the white blood cell count to drop and make you more prone to infection.

A more apt description of lupus is probably a 'dysfunctional' immune system. It mistakenly targets friendly cells as well as foreign invaders.

As the COVID-19 virus is still so new, we don't know at this time how well people with autoimmune diseases like lupus will fight it. We're starting to learn more about the virus though, as we've now seen that generally children can fight it very effectively and experience far fewer symptoms than adults in general.

[Kevin53]

Try and avoid. Best wishes Kevin

[Wendy39]

Hello

Take a look at the advice on the LUPUS UK website.

It’s being updated regularly.

Us lupies do not want this virus.

Corona giving you a flare could be the least of your worries.

Oh and by the way, there have been many posts here already, with much discussion. Use the search facility if you want to find these posts.

Take care.

Wendy