Lupus Awareness Month

October is the month brings awareness and attention to Lupus. It is hopes that the public will increase understanding of this mysterious disease which attacks the body from within Not a lot is known about Lupus or what may cause it. It is believed that it affects people of all ages but is more common in women than in men. I must say that both my father and my son have been diagnosed with Lupus and fall within the small percentage of men that are affected by Lupus. Lupus commonly affects individuals around the ages of 15 to 44 years old. In early years both girls and boys are at the same risk but as the years start rising the chance of developing lupus the level rises for girls. 

Lupus is a disease where the bodies immune system attacks the healthy tissue in the body and can damage any body part especially joints, heart, kidney and / or liver. Many that suffer with Lupus are not aware that they have it for many years. Symptoms such as swelling hands, fatigue, rash, dizziness, headache, stomach ache and fever are common for other illnesses as well. Test for Lupus is important that will offer a diagnosis or  rule it out. 

Lupus is not related to HIV/Aids. It has long been feared that those with Lupus must also be carrying the HIV virus. This is not true Lupus makes the immune system overactive to the point it starts attacking the healthy tissues in the body rather than a weakened system that HIV causes. Lupus also can not be transferred through sex. It is important to bring these facts into the spotlight so that others with signs and symptoms of Lupus will get tested and not be ashamed or stigmatized. 


Currently there is no cure for Lupus. Like many other medical conditions caught early it can be treated easier.