Is Lupus Contagious? What You Need to Know About the Risks and Myths

If you’ve just heard the word lupus, especially about a loved one, it’s normal to feel worried or confused. One of the first questions people ask is: Is lupus contagious? Let’s clear up this common misconception and explore everything you need to know about this misunderstood autoimmune condition—from causes and symptoms to pregnancy, treatment, and more.

Quick Summary: Lupus in a Nutshell

• Lupus is not contagious.
• It’s caused by an overactive immune system, not viruses or bacteria.
• Primarily affects women between the ages of 15 to 45.
• You can safely interact with someone who has lupus.
• With the right treatment, people can manage symptoms and live healthy lives.

Is Lupus Contagious?

If you are wondering, can you get lupus from someone else? The answer is No, you can’t. As any bacteria or viruses do not cause it, it can't spread from one person to another through physical touch, sharing drinks and foods, or being with someone who has been diagnosed with it. However, this condition can run in families, meaning you may be prone to an increased risk of developing it.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that around 1.5 million people in the USA live with lupus. Genetics, environmental, and hormonal factors are the reasons behind this condition, which shows that it is not a transmissible or infectious disease. 

Pregnancy and Lupus: What Women Should Know

As lupus can sometimes be inherited, pregnancy raises a lot of important considerations. Here’s what women need to know:

• If you can, the best advice is to try conceiving when your lupus is inactive.
• A few females living with severe lupus might be recommended to avoid having a baby, as it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Those complications can include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, kidney issues, more frequent lupus flares, and preeclampsia.
• A pregnancy with lupus should always be planned with a gynecologist or rheumatologist.
• Some medications—like methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, or mycophenolate—must be stopped before trying to conceive, as they can harm the baby.
• Moreover, before planning a pregnancy, women may be asked to wait for some time after discontinuing these medicines to reduce lupus flares and pregnancy complications.
• In case of an unexpected pregnancy while on these medications, immediately seek medical help. 

What Causes Lupus?

The precise causes are unknown. However, it is believed that lupus can occur due to a combination of these factors:

1. Genetic Factors

Research says that over 50 gene variants can contribute to the development of lupus.

2. Environmental Triggers

These factors can trigger the development of lupus:

• Exposure to UV light from the sun or artificial sources
• Certain infections, like the Epstein-Barr virus
• Stress
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain medications ( anti-seizure drugs) or chemicals (silica dust)

3. Hormonal Factors

Hormones like estrogen are found to trigger lupus when they increase, causing 9 out of 10 women to develop it.

Risk Factors: Who’s More Likely to Get Lupus?

These are the potential risk factors for developing lupus:

• Gender: Women are more prone to develop lupus than men, but men tend to have a more severe form of this condition.

• Age: Though it can affect any age group, it is more common in people between 15 and 45 years of age.

• Family history: Individuals having close relatives like parents and siblings with lupus have a 5-13% risk of developing the condition.

• Race: In the USA, lupus is more common in African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans, Hispanic people, Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Latino people.

Important Note: Not everyone with these risk factors will surely develop lupus. If you have concerns regarding the development of the condition, seek medical guidance. 

Types of Lupus

Understanding the different types can help you or a loved one receive the right treatment:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type that affects different body parts like the skin, brain, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
• Cutaneous lupus, a type that affects healthy skin cells.
• Drug-induced lupus, triggered by certain prescription medications like hydralazine or procainamide.
• Neonatal lupus, a rare disorder that affects newborns due to the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the fetus.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus symptoms can come and go. Common ones include:

• skin rashes
• muscle & joint pain
• extreme fatigue
• headaches
• stiffness or swelling
• shortness of breath
• hair loss
• light sensitivity
• mouth sores
• low fevers

Note: If you experience any symptoms, report them to your doctor. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the providers can help reduce the severity of worsening symptoms. 

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience the following symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately:

• Extreme fatigue
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Fever

The providers can help with effective diagnosis and suitable treatment.

How is Lupus Diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose lupus. Doctors use different methods, like examining the symptoms, checking the medical history, and performing a physical exam, to rule out the condition. They order the following tests for proper diagnosis:

• Blood tests: Includes complete blood count, C-reactive protein test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and antinuclear antibody test to detect antibodies that target healthy cells.

• Urine tests: Check for increased blood or protein levels in the urine that help find whether lupus is affecting the kidneys.

• Imaging tests: Echocardiograms or chest X-rays to identify fluid buildup or inflammation in or around the lungs or heart.

• Tissue biopsy: Involves taking samples from lupus-induced rashes to find the lupus-affected cells.

Treatment Options for Lupus

There’s no cure, but treatment can help control the disease and reduce symptoms.

1. Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Include ibuprofen and naproxen to relieve pain and swelling.

• Antimalarial medications: Examples are hydroxychloroquine to control the reaction of the immune system and reduce lupus flare-ups.

• Corticosteroids: Examples include prednisone to lower inflammation.

• Immunosuppressants, Like methotrexate and azathioprine to reduce the immune system's response.

• Biologics: Like Belimumab and anifrolumab-fnia to kill specific immune cells and lower disease activity.

2. Lifestyle Changes

The doctor may advise some lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups:

• A well-balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• No smoking
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Taking supplements

Can Lupus Be Prevented?

No, lupus can’t be prevented. But flares can be minimized with the right steps:

• Limiting sun exposure and always applying sunscreen that blocks UVA & UVB rays.
• Taking prescribed medications on time to control your overactive immune system.
• Getting adequate sleep of 7-9 hours each night to manage stress and fatigue.
• Consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, and avoiding foods high in cholesterol and sodium.
• Quitting smoking to improve lupus control, lower complication risks, and enhance quality of life.
• Managing stress by practicing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

Myths vs. Facts About Lupus

Final Thoughts

So, is lupus contagious? Absolutely not. This autoimmune condition can't spread from one person to another through contact, food, or air. Still, it’s a serious and complex condition that requires awareness, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment. It is genetic and can be passed down the families.

So, plan your pregnancy carefully with lupus under a doctor's supervision. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed—or shows symptoms—consult a healthcare provider. With the right care and lifestyle, many people with lupus live full, active lives.

FAQs

Can I sunbathe in case I have lupus?

No, sun exposure can cause worsening of lupus symptoms. When spending time outside, always apply sunscreen and wear long-sleeved clothes with a hat.

Is lupus life-threatening?

It's not generally fatal. But, in serious cases, it can lead to complications like kidney damage, heart disease, blood disorders, and lung inflammation, which can be life-threatening.

Can lupus go away?

There's no cure. However, with medicines and lifestyle changes, the symptoms can be managed.

What is the life expectancy with lupus?

Around 10 to 15% of lupus patients die too soon because of complications caused by the disease. However, most individuals live a long life without many challenges due to improved diagnosis and treatment systems.

Can I travel if I am living with lupus?

Yes, you can travel, but with extra planning like refilling all prescribed medicines, packing sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and a medical kit, and avoiding long sitting and strenuous activities to prevent symptom flare-ups.