Lupus Awareness Month takes place during October. Lupus is an incurable immune system condition that is assumed to be genetic and mainly affects females. The condition shares a lot of symptoms in common with other conditions, however, joint pain, muscle pain and extreme tiredness will not go away no matter how much you rest. It can also affect vital organs. Causes are a few including things like a viral infection, trauma and environmental factors such as sunlight.
LUPUS UK, are trying to raise awareness of lupus with Lupus Awareness Month. Due to the overlap with other conditions many GPs may not recognise the symptoms as lupus at first.
It is estimated that 50,000 people in the UK have lupus but there are many more undiagnosed.
To help raise awareness LUPUS UK is encouraging Lupus patients to adopt a hospital by ordering leaflets and display boards for our local hospital. Alternatively have a Lunch4Lupus during October and instead of guests bringing you a gift, ask them to donate to Lupus UK.
LUPUS UK is the only national registered charity supporting people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis. We presently have over 6000 Members and a number of Regional Groups around the UK who arrange medical talks, publish local newsletters, set up local occasions and organise fundraising events. LUPUS UK also produces an informative national magazine with lupus articles, letters, reports, and photographs, and operates a strong Grant Programme for research purposes and welfare.