How to Protect Yourself From Infection

People with lupus are more vulnerable to receiving and dealing with infections. The increased risk of infection comes from both lupus itself alongside many of the medications used to treat it. In this article, I will explain why infections happen and how to reduce the risk.

*Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

See a word you don't understand? Find it in our glossary.

An infection happens when a microorganism or pathogen (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) enters the body, grows, and harms body tissues. The difference between mild infections like the common cold and serious infections like pneumonia is the type of pathogen that infects the body.

Pathogens can vary widely in certain characteristics like genetic content, size, and shape, which leads to some pathogens to have a minimal effect and others to have severe and life-threatening effects. To protect against infection, your body’s immune system effectively fights against the hazardous agents. However, there can be limitations to the success in which the immune system can fight back, which is even more so true with lupus.

Lupus itself makes infections more common because of its effect on the immune system lupus causes certain immune cells to become hyperactive and indirectly create antibodies that attack the immune system. As an autoimmune disease, lupus also causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, which can harm the function of various organs and systems within the body. This limits the body’s ability to fight off infectious pathogens.

On top of this, many lupus medications are immunosuppressive, meaning they limit the strength of the immune system to respond to infectious agents. This is done on purpose to reduce inflammation but also leaves the body more vulnerable to infection.

The most common infections that people with lupus deal with are:

• Respiratory infections (affect the lungs and airflow)

• Urinary tract infections

• Skin infections

• Shingles

• Yeast infections (candidiasis)

• COVID-19 (if on immunosuppressive medication)

• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, making sure to go in between every finger and under cuticles

• If soap/water is unavailable, regularly use hand sanitizer

• Stay away from sick people when possible

• Wear a mask in crowded indoor places during outbreaks

• Avoid sharing drinks/utensils

• Wash produce

• Cook meat thoroughly

• Avoid unpasteurized dairy

• Refrigerate leftovers

• Make sure you are prioritizing a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Regularly getting 8-10 hours of sleep

• Proper nutrition

• Light exercise

• Stress management

• Staying hydrated

• Wash immediately

• Keep covered

• Watch for redness/swelling

Do not ignore these signs and reach out to a professional:

• Fever

• Persistent coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Painful urination

• New rash alongside fever

• Wounds that are not healing

• Severe fatigue that does not feel like usual

​

With lupus, infections can become more severe very quickly due to the body’s already weakened immune system. Seeking professional help urgently is important.

Lupus and its treatments can increase the risk of infection. As an autoimmune disease, lupus weakens your body’s immune system's ability to respond to infectious agents, and certain immunosuppressive medications further weaken the immune system. Prevention is often the best defense against infection, and it is important to practice healthy habits, vaccination, and regular communication with your healthcare providers and doctors to reduce the risk of infection.

Protecting Yourself from Infections | Lupus Foundation of America

Infections, Immunizations and Lupus | Lupus Canada

Lupus and infections | Better Health Channel

How Lupus Affects the Immune System | Johns Hopkins Lupus Center

What to know about infections | Medical News Today