Managing Lupus in a Covid World

The year of 2020 introduced all of us to a pandemic known as Covid-19. As mask mandates, curfews, and hospital visits became the norm, panic also set in across the country. The everyday household items such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning wipes, disinfectant spray and hand sanitizer disappeared from the store shelves along with many food items. People were advised to keep a distance of 6ft. between each other.

The option to get vaccinated came about to help lessen the effects of Covid-19. There were some people who decided to get the vaccine and others who opted out. Of course, we have a right to choose what we put into our bodies. But with this pandemic, it became even more important to eat healthy, exercise, and drink water to promote a healthy immune system.

Many of the medications that people with autoimmune illnesses take tend to lower the immune system which aids in the management of symptoms. While this is beneficial towards flare ups and pain management, it puts us at a greater risk for sickness. Therefore, it is imperative that steps are taken to protect ourselves.

What protective measures can be taken?

• Wear your mask. (Vaccinations do not prevent Covid-19)
• Wash your hands with soap and water. Use sanitizer as a backup.
• Use wipes or a napkin to open doors.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid large crowds of people.
• Eat healthy and get the proper rest.
• Get tested and if your result is positive, self-quarantine.

As the Covid cases and death rates continue to climb with the emergence of the Delta Variant, we must all do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. Remember, not everyone will display symptoms. We should be considerate and think of one another. Covid does not care whether you are immunocompromised, healthy, young or old.

After all, prevention is better than cure.

Monaye