Lupus Alert Day

Systemic lupus erythematous is a major health problem, with hundreds of thousands of people around the world, but little is known about its existence in society. Systemic lupus erythematous is an autoimmune disease in which the body is damaged by autoantibodies and immune complexes. For some reason, the patient's body produces an antibody against its own components called autoantibodies. Antigens are components of the patient's body. When autoantibodies combine with antigens, they form an immune complex. Immune complexes can be deposited in all organs of the body causing damage in those organs. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but it can be controlled if treated properly from the beginning. Because of the dangers of Lupus, the Lupus Quarter of America has designated April 1 as Lupus Alert Day, to raise awareness among all people about lupus by calling on all Americans to take the quiz of Lupus.

History of Lupus Alert Day

Lupus Foundation of America Designates April 1st as National Lupus Alert Day: Lupus No Joke

Unlike the harmless pranks played on people on April Fools' Day, lupus can have serious consequences.

About 1.4 million Americans -- mostly women -- have lupus, a disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues. Often called the great imitator because of the symptoms that mimic other diseases, Lupus also fools its victims by going into remission. Lupus can even fool doctors because there is no single test that can tell whether a person has the disease.

The Lupus quiz consists of eleven questions that can help determine if a person should consult a doctor for a closer examination. Common symptoms of lupus include joint pain, tenderness, or swelling for more than three months; unexplained fever above 100 degrees lasts more than several days; persistent fatigue, exhaustion and weakness even when sleeping; skin rash, especially in the butterfly-shaped area across the nose and cheeks; sensitivity to sunlight; pain in the chest take a deep breath.

The Lupus Foundation of America is the world's largest organization dedicated to finding the causes and cures of Lupus. The LFA has local chapters and community-based support groups located throughout the United States. LFA supports medical research, public education, patient services, and advocacy programs.

How to observe Lupus Alert Day

The best way to observe Lupus Alert Day is to raise awareness about this dangerous disease, by participating in answering the lupus questions of the US National Lupus Foundation. Also, share your information with others about them by sharing it on social media with the hashtag #LupusAlertDay.