In the past year, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus. I just started nursing school, and will begin clinicals shortly. I was wondering if there are any additional or special precautions that I should take to reduce my risk of contracting an infection while working in the hospital?

I'm not a doctor but it is my understanding that lupus is an autoimmune disorder as is Arthritis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I believe "autoimmune" means your own system went awry and was not caused by any external source.
If I am wrong please correct me.
Have you tried improving your diet and exercise? I believe exercise has been proven to bolster the immune system.
What does your personal physician say?
My wife is a nurse....I'll ask her.
Keep your hands away from your face would be a precaution I would take. I believe, and have heard, that not enough emphasis is placed on handwashing. I believe hospital protocol dictates that nurses be forewarned of any assignments that would require added protection such as gowns, masks, etc. I also believe that many patients die while in hospitals due to cross contamination because nurses don't wash their hands well. While washing your hands sing "happy birthday" TO YOURSELF twice. I am told this will insure adequate handwashing.
I wish you well, Nursing school can be hard enough without compounding situations present.

Hi

I am an RN with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I worked five years in the hospital, and I take immune supressant drugs to treat my RA. I have found that as long as you practice universal precautions, you should be okay. Be scrupulous about getting the right amount of rest, take care of yourself with diet and exercise, and take your meds. Some of the meds for these illnesses have special precautions. The meds I currently take have a big warning about
TB. I am at risk for catching TB with these meds, so I make sure my supervisors know I can take any patient other than a TB patient. I have been exposed to TB inadvertently-it was not yet diagnosed. This has happened twice and both were patients I had taken care of for multiple shifts. I was fine. If you are careful about your universal precautions, take them seriously whether you are in a hurry or not, you should be fine. I worked med/surg, neuro, behavioral and agency this way without a problem. The typical unit doesn't usually have more than a couple TB patients at any one time.

Good Luck.

Cary

Hi,
My name is Willie Mae. I have all of the clinical signs and symptoms of Lupus, but the actual antibody has not yet surfaced. I am a student and a working mother. Just make sure that you pace yourself. It is easier said than done, but becomes painfully easy if you end up having a flare. I drink lots of fluids, get plenty of sleep, balance my workload at work and school. Make time for some other activities, but also learn to say "no" when necessary.
I take plaquenil, relafen and prednisone. Someone else mentioned practicing good infection control/hygiene at all times. This reduces your risk of infections. Be mindful of those around you, who may have colds or flu. Eat well. I hope to hear good things about your progress in school.
Stay well.
Willie