Make sure you never ignore these symptoms
If you have more than four of any of these symptoms of lupus, it may be time to call your doctor.
You feel like you have the flu, but you’re not getting better
Fever, chills, muscle aches, and sleepiness are all classic signs of the common flu. But many people don’t realise they’re also lupus symptoms as well, says Delphine Lee, MD, PhD. “The difference between the flu and lupus is that the flu gets better in four to ten days,” she says, adding that these signs of lupus may last for weeks or months or come and go in cycles.
Find out which 15 flu myths doctors wish you’d stop believing.
You’re losing weight but you’re not on a diet
Sudden overnight weight loss may sound like a dream, but it may be one of the first lupus symptoms. Because lupus is an autoimmune disorder, causing the body’s immune system to attack itself, it can throw your thyroid and hormones out of whack which in turn affects your weight. Oddly enough, weight gain can also be one of the signs of lupus. Dr. Lee says weight loss is more common but lupus can also cause water retention which may manifest as weight gain in some people.
If you are trying to lose weight, find out which 16 low-carb diet mistakes you should never make.