Celebrating World Lupus Day Over One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic
May is Lupus Awareness Month with the 10th being World Lupus Day. These observances provide the perfect opportunity to highlight the many challenges people with lupus face and acknowledge the difficulties and risks the pandemic poses to them.
How Has the Pandemic Affected Those with Lupus?
World Lupus Federation’s global survey reveals the scope of impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people living with lupus.
About 50% of respondents said they had decreased access to at least one aspect of their lupus healthcare during the previous three months.
Here are some additional facts the survey found:
- 36% of participants reported a decrease in access to their lupus doctor
- 29% said they had decreased access to medical tests for lupus
- 17% reported reduced access to their lupus medication
- 24% of participants expressed they had less access to infusions for lupus
- 2 in 3 participants had a lupus-related medical complication in the previous three months
- 10% of survey participants have been infected with COVID-19
The survey also revealed an alarming discovery. According to the data collected, lupus patients living in the United States were statistically more likely to report COVID-19 infections compared to those living outside of the U.S.
Moreover, even though lupus can increase the risk of infection due to a weakened immune system from the effects of its medications, over one-third of survey participants (35%) stated they could not access the vaccine ahead of the general population.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the increased challenges and risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, lupus patients have adapted and found ways to continue their disease management treatments.
The general public is mostly unaware of what lupus is and the many ways it can manifest. The lack of information and empathy towards patients is often the biggest challenge for those living with the disease.
That is why raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for treatment access is the main focus of Lupus Awareness Month.
During this time, we should celebrate and honor those strong and resilient individuals who every day fight a battle with a devastating and debilitating disease.
Here are some ways you can get involved and help make a difference in the lives of people living with lupus:
- Find ways to learn about the disease
- Help educate others
- On May 10th and throughout the month, wear purple
- Become a fundraiser
Altus Biologics Pledge
As the survey revealed, access to healthcare, including infusions, is becoming increasingly difficult for many patients.
One of the cornerstones of Altus Biologics has always been advocating for its patient’s rights to safe, convenient, and affordable infusion therapy.
Throughout the pandemic, our efforts focused on allowing physicians to continue caring for their patients and ensuring patient continuity of care.
As leaders in the infusion management industry, we vow to continue working hard to acquire and administer infusion treatments in the convenience of physician offices, providing patients with safe environments and personalized care.
Life with lupus is hard. Altus Biologics ensures that getting your infusion treatment on time is not.
