Lupus and Vaccinations

Here are some steps to help keep you safe during the cold season:

Get your flu shot every year.

The flu shot helps your body fight off viruses that cause the flu. Those living with lupus may be more likely to catch the flu.
Also, some immune suppressants which are medications that help to prevent lupus flares, can make it more difficult for your body to fight off illnesses like the flu.
The flu shot only works for a short timeframe after you get it and viruses that cause the flu change over time. The flu shot is updated every year to make sure it protects you.
Get the flu shot early in the fall before the flu season begins. Plan to get your shot by the end of October at the latest.

Try to avoid anyone who has a cold, flu or other contagious illnesses.

Germs are everywhere, so it is important that you wash your hands often with soap and hot water, and sanitize as needed.
If you feel sick, rest up! Stay home and notify your doctor.

Wear sunblock! Even in the fall and winter, the UV rays are still strong.

Studying the ‘Dark Matter’ of the Genome May Reveal a Deeper Understanding of Lupus

The autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus tends to run in families, suggesting it has a strong genetic component. But it’s typically not a condition in which one bad gene causes disease to develop. Most commonly, many different genetic changes have to come together to give rise to lupus. This is one reason why lupus is so challenging to study.

Physician-scientist Timothy B. Niewold, MD, FACR, Vice Chair for Research in the HSS Department of Medicine, recently received a nearly $4.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to learn more about the complex genetics that contribute to lupus. The ultimate goal of this research is to determine how changes in certain regions of the genome affect the disease, with the hope of eventually understanding the basis immune-related diseases.

To learn more about Dr. Niewold’s plans for this research project, including why he thinks probing the “dark matter” of the genome will lead to a better understanding of what causes lupus, click here.

Emily Wu is a Clinical Research Coordinator for Kyriakos Kirou, MD. As a research coordinator in the Crow Lab, she is responsible for recruiting and following patients for the Immune System Regulation in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases observational study. She analyzes medical records to identify significant health trends and patterns in patients with autoimmune diseases. She also works with Dr. Kirou to conduct FDA-regulated phase II/III multicenter clinical trials for investigational drugs in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.

To learn more, view our clinical trials at HSS. For questions, please email Emily Wu, Clinical Research Coordinator or call 212.774.2967. For APS studies, please email JoAnn Vega, Research Coordinator or call (212) 774-2795. To learn more about our Pregnancy in APS study, please email Haley Slosberg, Clinical Research Coordinator or call 212.774.2223.

The Lupus and APS Center of Excellence at HSS is a multidisciplinary and innovative program, established by expert faculty with the goal of improving the lives of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). For more information please visit us online.

Fast Track Appointment Referral Service - If you are a lupus patient new to HSS in need of a timely appointment with one of our center’s physicians, please call us at 877.SLE.CURE (877.753.2873). For non-urgent requests or questions please email us.
View our HSS Lupus Patient Support Programs