Lupus Alert Day

Lupus Alert Day is an annual worldwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about the autoimmune disease lupus. It takes place on April 1. While there is currently no cure for lupus, proper medical care can slow the progression of the disease and allow people to live normal lives. The purpose of this day is to increase awareness about lupus within society. Together, we can defeat the disease!

History

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing damage.

Lupus Alert Day was established in 2000, proposed by the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), an organization dedicated to educating the public about lupus and supporting research to develop an effective cure.

In 1948, the Mayo Clinic improved its diagnostic methods, enabling an accurate diagnosis of up to 60% of lupus cases. Over time, a complete clinical picture of the disease, including skin rashes, joint and muscle pain, and other symptoms, was established. Additional physical and laboratory investigations have further improved the accuracy of diagnosis.

Interesting Facts

• Sixteen thousand people in the United States are diagnosed with lupus each year, and more than 90% of those diagnosed are women.
• Lupus is not a fatal disease, but symptoms can become increasingly severe without treatment, leading to various complications. With appropriate treatment, about 85-90% of people live a normal life into old age.
• The vast majority of lupus cases are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about lupus on this day—its causes, treatments, and more. If you experience similar symptoms, don’t ignore them—get tested. The disease is very difficult to recognize in its early stages due to similarities with many other, milder conditions.

Spread the word about Lupus Alert Day on social media. Ask users if they or someone they know has lupus. If so, are they receiving proper medical care?

When is Lupus Alert Day in 2025?

Lupus Alert Day is observed on April 1 each year.

Observations