
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!
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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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Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men.
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
Fatigue in Lupus and Sjogren’s [March 2025 Update]
Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms affecting individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Lupus Mottled Skin & Symptoms (Feb 2025 Update)
One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of
Allergies and Itching after COVID vaccine? Announcing Research Here
Results from 64,900 vaccines: How often are allergies and itching after COVID vaccine? We’ll take a look at
Lupus and Gastro Issues [March 2025 Update]
Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Mouth sores
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 and The Endocrine System
Lupus, a complex autoimmune condition, impacts various systems in the body, including the endocrine system. The endocrine system
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 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
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
Lupus and Taking Probiotics/Prebiotics: The truth [Updated JUL ’23]
Lupus and taking probiotics: Should you take probiotics if you have lupus, and what are the best probiotics
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 Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland, which is situated at the front of
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
What is Evusheld and Who Should Get Evusheld: Prevent COVID-19 [OCT 2022 Update]
What is Evusheld? It is a treatment to prevent COVID-19 infections. It is not a vaccine. It is
Immunosuppressants and COVID Vaccine: Fundamentals in the new guidelines
Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine: which you should stop and not stop American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance Summary UPDATED
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
Increase Energy with Lupus ([February 2025 Update]
Did you know that energy loss is the most common disabling problem in people living with systemic lupus
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
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
Lupus in Women: From Puberty to Menopause
Lupus in women occurs much more often than in men. There are many reasons this occurs. Also, lupus
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!
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
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
How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [January 2025 Update)
A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
Top Dermatologist Tips For Itchy, Dry Skin in Lupus and Sjögren’s [October 2024 Update]
Unfortunately, dry, itchy skin is a common problem in lupus patients. Most patients try everything they think may
Lupus and The Eyes
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
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
Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause purple spots on skin. There are many different reasons for
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
Is Lupus Hereditary?
Is Lupus Hereditary? “Yes” Around 200 genes have been identified that increase the risk of getting lupus. This
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
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
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
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
Botox Injections and Lupus
If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand
How Severe is Your Lupus? Use a Lupus Severity Index
Read on to learn how you to figure out your lupus disease activity with a Lupus Severity Index
Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia – Q & A Video
Dr. Donald Thomas Answers Lupus Patients’ Questions on His Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia Watch this
CBD for Lupus: Look here for the best advice [2023 Update]
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD for Lupus)? Should patients use CBD or other cannabis products for lupus?
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
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 Nephritis Diagnosis: Now in a nutshell in this video [FEB 2025 UPDATE]
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis in easy-to-understand language ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a
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
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing