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Infections And Lupus

Lupus patient in ICU hospital with COVID-19

COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases

March 13, 2021

Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died

Much higher rate than infected people without rheumatic disease

People with lupus and rheumatic diseases are at risk…
​What is the bottom line? What …

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bacteria in urine bacteriuria can cause lupus flares

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 …

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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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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
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Early Signs of Lupus in Females

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men.
Male lupus patient with a mask

“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
COVID-19 vaccine for lupus patients answer by Dr. Don Thomas

Lupus and COVID vaccine: Tested in the clinical trials = safe and effective!

Lupus and COVID vaccine: Dr. Thomas recommends not waiting to his patients, read below… Research regarding the COVID
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Research Results in Dealing with Autoimmune Disease Fatigue Now

The causes of fatigue and dealing with autoimmune disease fatigue. ​ Tips on how to improve energy with
World Lupus Day 2026

World Lupus Day: Raising Global Awareness on May 10

World Lupus Day takes place every year on May 10 to raise global awareness about a complex autoimmune
The Lupus Encyclopedia book cover 2nd edition

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
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Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone Helpful for Lupus [Suggests NIH study]

Lupus Research Article Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus This
Proteinuria in lupus nephritis. This is what a kidney looks like

Proteinuria in Lupus Nephritis: Video tips and the bottom line [March 2025 UPDATE]

When excessive protein leaks from the kidneys and into the urine, it is called proteinuria. Proteinuria in lupus
Discoid lupus erythematosus on the cheek of a white woman with systemic lupus

Can Discoid Lupus Turn into Systemic?- “Sure” Now more about the truth

The Latest Research Answers the Question: “Can discoid lupus turn into systemic lupus erythematosus?” Discoid lupus: note the
COVID Booster vaccine for lupus patients is possible according to research study

Immunosuppressed Patients Respond to Booster Shots: Hope for a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disease Patients? [Updated 8/12/21]

  Will a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus Patients Increase Response Rates? We do not know, yet. However,
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Is Lupus Hereditary?

Is Lupus Hereditary? “Yes” Around 200 genes have been identified that increase the risk of getting lupus. This
White woman doctor giving female lupus patient a flu shot

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other
Woman using eye drops for dry eyes and lupus

Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks [January 2026 Update]

Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25% of systemic lupus
Dry mouth from lupus and Sjogren

Lupus Can Cause Tooth Decay: How to Prevent Dry Mouth and Cavities (October 2025 Update)

Lupus patients have a high rate of poor dental health and tend to lose their teeth at a
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Lupus and Cancer Risk: Learn to Prevent Cancer! [August 2024]

People who have lupus have an increased risk for getting some cancers. Knowing what they are and how
Extra COVID vaccines are important for us to prevent infection

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!
Lupus and purple spots on skin

Lupus and Purple Rashes

What Are Purple Rashes on the Skin? Purple rashes on the skin can signal a variety of health
World Lupus Day awareness ribbon

World Lupus Day 2025

Every year on May 10, the world comes together to observe World Lupus Day. In 2025, this important
Don Thomas, MD answers question about lupus and immune boosting supplements like Echinacea

Vitamins For Lupus: Avoid some is the best advice

Not All Supplements and Vitamins for Lupus Patients are Safe Vitamins for lupus patients: “Ask Dr. T!” question
Lupus eye

Lupus Eyes

Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the
Type 1 interferon cytokines are inhibited by the anifrolumab FDA approval drug

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
X-ray of respiratory system

Lupus and the Respiratory System [March 2025 Update]

The respiratory system, or the pulmonary system, is commonly affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This system plays
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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
Word Symptoms in Scrabble Tiles

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
sick girl for blog about children with kidney inflammation blog post

Benlysta for pediatric lupus nephritis: FDA-approved

  Benlysta for children with lupus kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis): FDA-approved on July 26, 2022 This is a
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Do I need a 5th COVID Vaccine AND Evusheld if I have lupus? [December 2023 UPDATE]

December 2023 Update: Yearly Fall COVID shots and a replacement for Evusheld The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has
Image of the central nervous system for CNS lupus

CNS Lupus: When Lupus Affects the Brain & Spine

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack the brain, spinal cord, and many other organs. When this
Image of blood cells

Benlysta Reviews: Learn the amazing truth on how it works

  …
Connective Tissue Disease written on a white board by a doctor

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
Woman who has a malar rash (butterfly rash) due to lupus with lupus disease activity

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
Arm wrestling to see which is better for lupus nephritis: Lupkynis or Benlysta

Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!

Which is Better for Lupus Nephritis: Benlysta or Lupkynis? Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or Lupkyinis?
Malar butterfly rash symptom of lupus

How to Diagnose Lupus: 10 Symptoms (Feb 25 Update)

Diagnosing lupus is challenging, even for medical professionals. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment to reduce inflammation,
Lupus patient getting intravenous immunoglobulin

Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Immune globulins (also called immunoglobulins) are antibodies. A large number of antibodies given in IVIG for systemic lupus
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Prognosis, Special Populations, and Health Care Disparities

Lupus is a complex autoimmune condition which can affect different groups of people in different ways. This makes
Childhood stress and lupus question answered by Dr. Donald Thomas

Childhood Trauma, PTSD, Racism, Stress, and Lupus

Crucially, multiple studies show that stress and trauma increase the risk of developing lupus, as well as causing
Pain from Fibromyalgia

Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing
Covid Study Flyer

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
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How to Prevent Lupus & Other Autoimmune Diseases [April 2026]

This blog post will give advice on how to prevent lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I will first
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Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs

Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
Drawing of an electron microscopic view of the hepatitis C virus

Lupus and Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C

The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read
Botox or filler injections for lupus picture of a woman getting a lip injection

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
Graphs showing Lupkynis voclosporin efficacy in lupus nephritis Lancet article

Voclosporin for Lupus Nephritis: Great results in The Lancet

Note the impressively higher response rates in the blue bars (Lupkynis + mycophenolate + steroids) compared to pink
exercise and lupus photo of a woman on a stationary bicycle

Weight Loss & Exercise in Lupus: the science & patient view [March 2025 Update]

Weight loss & exercise provide many benefits to lupus patients. Healthcare providers consider exercise as “free medication” with
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Lupus and Thyroid Medications

Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck,
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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
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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 patient with COVID coronavirus

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
Dr. Donald Thomas MD holding the new edition Lupus Encyclopedia A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers

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
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Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color

Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of