
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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Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin
Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia): Platelets are a type of blood cell that helps blood clot. This protects us
Lupus and Cancer: Lupus Encyclopedia
As if dealing with lupus alone wasn’t enough, there is an association between Lupus and Cancer. Lupus patients
Can Lupus Go Into Remission? – Now thrilled to say “Yes!”
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can go into a lupus remission on medications or treatment Lupus patient: “My doctor
DHEA and Lupus: Research shows it to be useful and good in some
Other Facts about DHEA and lupus – DHEA and lupus: DHEA stands for DeHydroEpiAndrosterone – Produced by the
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!
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
Top Tips on Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus [Updated May 2025]
Taking hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important drug for lupus. It is the
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck,
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ
World Lupus Day 2025
Every year on May 10, the world comes together to observe World Lupus Day. In 2025, this important
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Anti-inflammatory Diet for Autoimmune Disease: New Research (AI Protocol)
The Autoimmune Protocol (AI protocol) is another term for the anti-inflammatory diet. The chart below was shown to
Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine to Prevent Lupus and Other Diseases?
An Epstein Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to prevent lupus? EBV infection may be a common trigger, causing the
Symptoms of Lupus in Men [March 2025 Update]
While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
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
Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!
Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep
FDA approves Benlysta for lupus nephritis December 2020
Benlysta (belimumab) is the 1st drug ever FDA-approved to treat lupus nephritis Historic milestone! ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins
Types of Rash in Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide [March 2025 Update]
Lupus patients have many more types of rash than the commonly discussed butterfly rash and discoid lupus. After
The Best Soap for Lupus Patients (Feb 2025 Update)
Selecting the right soap for lupus patients is crucial because certain soaps can worsen irritation from cutaneous lupus
“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
Lupus, The Reproductive System, and Pregnancy
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems
Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
Lupus and High White Blood Cells in Urine
Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts can arise in lupus patients for various reasons. This article will delve
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
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
Positive ANA workup – Is it lupus or not? [October 2024 Update]
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in up to 20% of the healthy population, depending upon the particular lab
How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [May 2025 Update)
A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
Share Lupus Experiences Now: Help current research on lupus
IF YOU HAVE LUPUS OR ARE A CAREGIVER: Help current research on lupus by sharing your experiences with
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.
Hair and Skin Problems in Lupus [Feb 2025 Update]
Most individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience skin involvement or hair loss. There are many different types
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
How to Prevent Lupus & Other Autoimmune Diseases [August 2025]
This blog post will give advice on how to prevent lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I will first
The Best Lupus Books? Look in the useful list below
Kelli of “More Than Lupus” describes what she considers the best lupus books What are your favorite
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: 2025 Sunspots & Milder Lupus?
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: Could sunspots in 2025 lead to milder lupus? 2014 photo by NASA showing
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
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
Understanding the Lupus Coombs Test (March2025 Update)
The Direct Coombs test is a criterion in the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification criteria. It is also
Understanding Lupus Life Expectancy [Feb 2025 Update]
Dr. Thomas has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in their 70s, 80s, and 90s! Living with lupus is
Supplements That Worsen Lupus & 6 That Help [March 2025 Update]
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
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
Lupus and The Eyes
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
Lupus and The Exocrine Gland System: Sjögren’s Disease [Mar ’25 Update]
Lupus patients can have dry mouth, eyes, and skin. Most of the time, this is due to having
COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases
Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died Much higher
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: It Is Real! (Feb 2025 Update)
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is one of the most common diagnoses made by rheumatologists. Many systemic lupus
Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!
Which is better for lupus nephritis? Here is my answer! Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Now see me excited to get it
What was it like getting the COVID-19 vaccine? … and some advice for lupus patients A rheumatology
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
