Can COVID-19 lead to an autoimmune disease?

Can COVID-19 lead to an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune disease following COVID-19Several researchers have noted the occurrence of autoimmune disease after COVID-19, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and one case of lupus.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have an autoimmune disease?

Unless one has a vanishingly rare allergy to vaccine adjuvants, those with rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases should have no qualms about COVID-19 vaccination, says Dr. V. Michael Holers, head of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Does lupus affect children differently than adults?

The autoimmune disease is the same in kids and adults, but children face particular challenges when it comes to medication and disease progression. Some children with lupus have increasing levels of disease activity over time. Others have severe inflammation early on that improves as the disease progresses. iStock

What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.

Do people with SLE have family members with the disease?

Most people with SLE do not have family members with the disease; however, some people with SLE do have a family history of the disease. Men and women with an immediate family member with SLE have only a slightly higher risk for the disease.

Can a woman with SLE have a healthy pregnancy?

Can a woman with SLE have a healthy pregnancy? Women with lupus can safely get pregnant and most will have normal pregnancies and healthy babies. However all women with lupus who get pregnant are considered to have a “high risk pregnancy.” Learn more about pregnancy and lupus.