
Infections And Lupus

December 2023 revision:
A 2023 study showed that abatacept does not interfere with how well COVID vaccines
…Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
November 27, 2020
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares?
Bacteria in urine was found in a study to possibly increase flares in lupus patients. If this is true, then decreasing bacteria in the urine could possibly help …

Lupus and Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C
September 12, 2020
The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read on!
Hepatitis C is a virus that can attack the liver (called hepatitis) as well as numerous other organs of the body.

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!
September 7, 2020
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other Autoimmune Disease Patients, and … well… Everyone!
…FOLLOW US
Dr. Don Thomas, MD
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
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Antibody Levels After COVID Vaccine
Some Immunosuppressant Drugs Cause Lower Antibody Levels after COVID Vaccine than do Other Drugs Home » Infections And
How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [February 2025 Update]
Did you know that using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to help lupus patients was discovered by accident? Since that accidental
Lupus Joint and Muscle Pain [February 2025 Update]
Close to 90% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will have joint and muscle pain. Fortunately, today’s
Lupus and Hepatitis B Vaccine: Endorsed in the CDC guidelines
Lupus and Hepatitis B Addendum: The recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines changed in 2022. The CDC recommended that
Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems
The Lupus Secrets [Practical Tips for Living with Lupus]
Do you have lupus, then you absolutely want to learn about follow The Lupus Secrets so that you
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index Test: A new lupus lab test
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index test The Lupus Foundation of America, in its continuous quest to advocate
Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior
Lupus by Lupus Warrior and Lupus Fighter Shanelle Gabrielle “I still have a purpose … A reason to
Lupus and the Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
Provocative Advice: Lupus Patients need COVID Vaccines [2021]
Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus
Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus [Saphnelo February 2025 Update]
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) is the 2nd FDA-approved biologic to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The first biologic was belimumab
Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic
Patients ask about Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic: Sea moss was never on my radar until 2022-2023.
Is Lupus Hereditary?
Is Lupus Hereditary? “Yes” Around 200 genes have been identified that increase the risk of getting lupus. This
Early Signs of Lupus: What to Look For (May 2025 Update)
We must diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) soon after symptoms begin. The quicker we treat SLE, the less
Angela Deem of 90-Day Fiancé
A gift for Christmas 2020, since I’m a 90-Day Fiancé fan. Angela wishes me a Merry Christmas and
New Research: A Root Cause of Lupus? [Reported July 2024]
New research claimed they discovered a root cause of lupus. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s
Lupus Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment [March 2025 Update]
Most systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients get headaches. Are these due to lupus? Or are they due to
The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: Now Available!
The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers is now available at
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Arthritis – “it’s a Pain in the App” [Coping with lupus]
Guest post: One method of coping with the struggles of lupus Living and coping with the challenges of
Sun Protection for Lupus Made Simple
SSun protection for lupus is one of its most essential treatments. It is so important I include sunscreen
Lupus Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Lifestyle changes advice [January 2025]
Eating a diet high in foods that decrease inflammation while avoiding or minimizing foods that increase inflammation can
How Severe is Your Lupus? Use a Lupus Severity Index [May 2025 Update)
Our goal in treating systemic lupus erythematosus is complete remission while using medications that include hydroxychloroquine (if not
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Due to Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitor-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Clinical characteristics and outcomes In this post we’ll cover subacute cutaneous
Traveling With Lupus – Advice From a Rheumatologist
Traveling with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents its unique challenges. Making sure that you stay as healthy and
Dr. Donald Thomas gets his extra COVID vaccines: It was easy!
UPDATED September 2021: I cannot wait to get my extra COVID vaccines … specifically my 3rd booster shot!
Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine
Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes! What I tell my systemic lupus patients
Three Potential Book Covers for The Lupus Encyclopedia 2nd Edition
THE VOTE IS IN! See the new book cover below 315 people voted for the new book cover
Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men.
COVID Vaccine and Lupus: Join in a Research Study Now
How the COVID Vaccine and Lupus Interact is Important to Figure Out: Consider Joining this NIH Research Study
COVID Vaccines, Evusheld & Stopping Drugs for Shots [FEB 2023 Update]
Stopping Methotrexate for 1 Week as Effective as 2 Weeks after Flu shots [FEB 2023 Update) This
Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death
Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
Itchy Skin Can Be a Sign of Active Lupus
Updated JUN 2023 Itchy skin can occur with active lupus rashes (cutaneous lupus). However, other causes are much
Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices & Guidelines [May 2025 Update]
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into
What is a Lupus Flare: Prevent and Treat [March 2025 Update]
Did you know that even mild to moderate lupus flares are associated with a two-fold increased risk of
Benlysta approved for lupus nephritis: is it for mild cases?
Lupus Question of The Day: Is Benlysta for mild lupus nephritis? Ask Dr. T question and shortened answer
Lupus and The Eyes [DEC 2025 Update]
Lupus commonly causes dry eyes. Dry eyes may occur due to medications (like antihistamines), prolonged screen time (not
Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [February 2025]
Saphnelo and Benlysta are two FDA-approved biologics for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work in two very
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ
Bottom Line on Diabetes vs Lupus and Stroke & Heart Attacks
Lupus and Stroke and Heart Attacks: A bigger problem than we thought! We have known for a long
Methotrexate for lupus: help it work better and prevent side effects [January 2025]
Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
Super spreader COVID-19: Infections surge big due to this [Updated]
Super spreader COVID-19: New study shows the answers in the Annals of Internal Medicine Wear a mask to
Lupus Eyes
Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the
Benlysta During Pregnancy: Safe and Effective [UPDATE July 2024]
July 2024 Update on Benlysta in Pregnancy A review in the British Medical Journal discussed the recent studies
Is it Safe to Receive Botox or Filler Injections For Lupus Patients?
A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to
Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Lupus [Feb 2025 Update]
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA), a type of antiphospholipid antibody, can thicken the blood and potentially cause devastating blood clots
Lupus and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
What do the following have in common? Lupus A drawing by a 3-year-old Julian Lennon Flowers and gardening
“Do I need a mask after vaccination?” Now here is the truth
Please continue to protect yourself as you did before if you have lupus or another systemic autoimmune disease
