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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I may have already had Lupus/RA, but had no problematic sumptoms until after COVID vaccines. Has anyone else had this experience?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Madison, WI

After vaccines, pain & inflammation started to a degree that was hard to cope with. Thyroid went beserck, anemia, osteoporosis, neuropathy, etc set in. PS. I agree with COVID vax & believe it was necessary & saved many lives.

August 13
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I have also experienced bad Lupus flares after having Covid vaccines. Only had two (2021) but I'll never have any more again. I do not have problems with other vaccines.

August 13
MyLupusTeam

Has anyone else experienced a flare of lupus symptoms after receiving COVID vaccines?

This is a question that comes up in the lupus community, and it's a really valid one. Lupus can be unpredictable, and some people notice that certain triggers — including infections, stress, or immune-activating events — seem to "wake up" Show Full Answer

Has anyone else experienced a flare of lupus symptoms after receiving COVID vaccines?

This is a question that comes up in the lupus community, and it's a really valid one. Lupus can be unpredictable, and some people notice that certain triggers — including infections, stress, or immune-activating events — seem to "wake up" symptoms that were previously manageable or undetected.

It's worth noting that many people living with lupus carry the condition for years before a clear diagnosis, sometimes because symptoms are mild or attributed to other causes. Several of the symptoms described — including thyroid issues, anemia, and bone loss — are recognized comorbidities of lupus:

- Thyroid issues affect roughly 15–19% of people with lupus
- Anemia develops in about half of people with lupus
- Osteoporosis can be linked to long-term corticosteroid use, a common lupus treatment

These conditions can sometimes emerge or worsen during periods of immune system activity. Other MyLupusTeam members have shared similar experiences of symptoms intensifying unexpectedly, which can feel overwhelming and confusing — especially when trying to pinpoint a cause.

The most important step is to report *all* symptom changes to a healthcare team, including emotional and cognitive ones. Whole-body care really matters with lupus, and getting the right support can make a significant difference in quality of life.

August 13

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