World Lupus Day – What you need to know:
Although lupus can be fatal, there is currently no known cure
Do you have Lupus or know anyone who does suffer from the disease?
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body).
With lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Normally your immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders.
However, with lupus, your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.
Although lupus can be fatal, there is currently no known cure. Many people have no idea lupus even exists until they themselves or somebody they know is diagnosed with it. World Lupus Day was created to raise awareness of this little-known disease that can have devastating effects on sufferers and their families.
How to Celebrate World Lupus Day
Lupus Day is associated with the colour purple, and people can show support by wearing purple clothing. You can also go to World Lupus Day’s official website and sign an awareness pledge, meaning you pledge to help the plight of those affected by lupus get more attention from the medical community and politicians.
Do you know any Lupus sufferers? Let us know.
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