A chronic autoimmune disease, lupus is a condition in which the immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Approximately five million people all over the world are said to be suffering from this disease, 90% of whom are women.
Since the immune system of people with Lupus is considerably weak owing to several medical reasons, hence, they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and are also more likely to develop serious symptoms.
However, with vigilant social distancing, wearing masks, taking care of their hygiene, and limiting their contact with other people, individuals with Lupus can avoid contracting COVID-19. Here are the answers by healthcare experts to some frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and Lupus.
Is Coronavirus more dangerous for people with Lupus?
People suffering from Lupus are at a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 owing to major reasons:
- Their immune system is dysfunctional and attacks its body tissues. This renders the immune system inefficacious to fight off other infections.
- The treatment of Lupus includes several medications that suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking body tissues. This places people with lupus at a higher risk of contracting other diseases, especially infectious diseases like the COVID-19.
What should I do if I come in contact with a COVID-19 infected person?
In case you come in contact with a coronavirus-positive patient, you must follow the CDC guidelines. The first step would be to self-quarantine and report to your local healthcare facility immediately. If the symptoms start to appear, contact your doctor over the phone and follow the directions.
How do I let my friends and family know that I am at a higher risk of infection?
You must let the people in your circle know that you stand at a higher risk, and you’re more likely to develop serious symptoms than other people if you get COVID-19 with Lupus. You can do this by explaining to them the nature of Lupus, being an autoimmune disease it makes your immune system highly compromised. This will prompt them to be more careful with their lifestyle as well as their hygiene.
COVID-19 and Lupus: Your healthcare provider must be in frequent contact with you
During this time of health emergency, you must stay in frequent contact with your healthcare provider. It is always smart to have good healthcare insurance at hand in case of an emergency. Head on to heathestimates.com or call at healthestimates.com or call at 219 321-0009 or 708 754-5300 if you have any queries, our healthcare insurance experts are there to help you 24/7.
Remember, your health comes first. Take care of yourself first, only then you would be able to be there for your loved ones!
