An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, causing illness (NACDD). The immune system does not distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens. The body sets off a reaction that destroys normal tissues and may result in abnormal growth, tissue destruction, and changes in function.
Examples
- Addison disease
- Celiac disease – sprue
- Graves disease
- Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Pernicious anemia
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren syndrome
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Type I diabetes
Auto-immune Disease and COVID-19
There is limited data on whether autoimmune disorders put an individual at high risk for developing severe COVID-19. However, using immunosuppressive and corticosteroids increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Precautions to take:
- Immunocompromised people may not be protected even if they are up to date on their vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about receiving an additional primary dose and booster.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about receiving Evusheld, a medicine that can protect you from getting COVID-19 for immunocompromised individuals
- Visit the CDC webpage for more information