Myth: Lupus is contagious

This opinion is based on ignorance related to lupus skin conditions, especially the butterfly rash. Although it kind of looks like a butterfly, originally, people thought it was similar to a wolf bite (Crazy, huh?). That's why lupus is called lupus which is the Latin word for wolf.

But let's clarify...lupus is not contagious. It's not a virus or bacteria or any other type of contagious agent. It's an autoimmune disease. It's not coming from the outside. It's coming from the inside. Nobody knows what the exact cause is. Researchers found that genetics probably play a role. 20% of lupus patients have a parent or sibling who was also diagnosed with it. They also found evidence that it may be connected to the hormone called estrogen. You won't get it by being around someone who has lupus or drinking from the same glass. It's also not a sexually transmitted disease, which to me, is a really wild idea.

I get it. People can be paranoid and scared, especially when it comes to diseases, and when they know nothing about it.

This is another reason why awareness is extremely important. I can't blame anyone for the lack of information. It's not so hard to Google it though. Assumptions often hurt feelings. Just imagine how much harm ignorance can cause to someone who is already struggling with a cruel and chronic disease in their everyday life.

As I wrote in a previous post, I spoke with people who didn't take me seriously. Based on their reactions, I could almost hear their thoughts "Oh, okay. You have some odd illness...big deal." But if someone jumped back away from me, thinking I was contagious, I would first laugh, then lecture them...and deep inside, I would hurt.

Image credit: Prevention