As we step into the second half of 2020, COVID-19 remains a topic of daily conversation. And chances are, anyone you ask can tell you that COVID-19 affects the respiratory system – causing significant, and sometimes life-threatening damage to the lungs.
But research is finding that this virus may be a lot more complicated than that – and may have some longer-lasting effects. As it turns out, COVID-19 might just be capable of triggering your body to wage war against itself. Today we’re going to dive into exactly how viral infections like COVID-19 can potentially trigger autoimmunity and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Exactly Is Autoimmunity?
Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and chemical messengers that all collaborate to protect you. Your immune system defends you against potentially harmful substances like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins. When your body detects a threat, it triggers your immune system to launch an attack in an attempt to target and neutralize the invader. This is also known as the inflammatory response and is your body’s natural defense mechanism.
Normally, your body has no problem differentiating between your own cells and invading germs or irritants. But in autoimmune conditions, your immune system begins to misfire – causing your body to no longer accurately differentiate between “self” and “non-self”. And instead of only launching an attack against foreign invaders, your immune system mistakenly begins attacking your own healthy cells.
There can be multiple factors that contribute to this misfiring of your immune system and this can look different for each individual. But interestingly, research has discovered an underlying trigger that can sometimes lead to autoimmunity – a viral infection.
How a Virus Can Trigger Autoimmune Disease
Viral infections have been linked to triggering autoimmunity through several mechanisms including:1,2,3
- Molecular Mimicry: Certain viruses can “mimic” the structural and chemical features of your own cells. This can confuse your immune system and cause your body to begin creating “self-antigens” – essentially tagging your own cells as foreign invaders. Once tagged, these cells are labeled as a threat and your immune system attempts to neutralize them.
- Epitope Spreading: Antigens are structures on invading pathogens that mark it as an invader. Epitopes are specific protein sequences found on the invading pathogen’s antigens. Your T cells and B cells are designed to seek out, recognize, and bind to the invading pathogen’s epitopes. In epitope spreading, your immune response essentially broadens and your immune cells begin directing their responses to additional proteins, in addition to epitopes – including those on your own cells.
- Bystander Activation: Your T cells and B cells are designed to be specific – meaning they’re programmed to attack only when exposed to a specific antigen(s). But in bystander activation, these immune cells become “activated” without encountering their specific antigens.
A viral infection disrupts immune homeostasis and can send your immune system into a tailspin. Which is one of the reasons researchers are concerned about the long term effects of our current COVID-19 pandemic.
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, also known more officially as SARC-COV-2.4 When contracted, this virus attaches itself to receptors found in the cells lining your lungs, spleen, and lymphatic system and begins replicating. Once your body is alerted to this viral invasion, it begins deploying immune cells and a cascade of chemical messengers to ramp up your inflammatory response.
In mild cases, your body ramps up your immune system, neutralizes the virus, and then balance is restored – returning your immune system to homeostasis. But in severe and critical cases, the body has an exaggerated response – releasing too many pro-inflammatory chemicals and immune cells too quickly. This overwhelms the tissues (primarily in your lungs) and causes:5
- Massive uncontrolled inflammation
- Oxidative damage on a cellular level
- Injury to the tissues in your lungs – damaging the alveolar-capillary barrier where gas is exchanged in your lungs
This out of control inflammation is what causes severe COVID-19 cases to spiral into respiratory failure. And while respiratory failure is the most immediate potential threat when it comes to COVID-19 cases, research is finding that this virus may have some longer-lasting effects as well.
Autoimmune Disease and COVID-19
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers across the globe have been working tirelessly to understand the virus’s mechanism of action and how we can fight it. And as we learn more about exactly how this virus works, a pattern is beginning to emerge. Researchers are finding that:
- Infection with coronavirus causes an elevation in biomarkers that directly correlate with autoimmunity6
- COVID-19 infection precedes the appearance of several autoinflammatory disorders and immune diseases7
- Following the contraction of COVID-19, there’s been a spike in cases of autoimmune disorders such as:7
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (similar to what happens in CIRS after mold exposure)
- Macrophage activation syndrome (a severe complication of rheumatoid arthritis in children)
- Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (intense immune directed inflammation that can cause heart failure)
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
These findings clearly show that the damage caused by COVID-19 extends far beyond the lungs. And while more research and time is needed to truly identify exactly how COVID-19 and other viral infections may trigger autoimmunity, many researchers speculate that we may be facing a wave of new autoimmune cases in the wake of this pandemic.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19 and bolster your immune system against developing autoimmunity.
How Can I Protect Myself From COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself from potential exposure to coronavirus is to take some simple precautions such as:
- Washing your hands frequently: Use soap and warm water – making sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. And don’t forget to get under your fingernails!
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill any germs that you may have come into contact with. Just remember hand sanitizer isn’t effective if your hands are visibly soiled.
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Frequently touched objects or surfaces should be regularly disinfected with cleaning sprays or wipes.
- Staying home and avoiding close contact: If you’re sick or feeling under the weather, stay home to protect yourself and others, and avoid coming into contact with people who are sick.
I’m also a firm believer that knowledge is power – so staying educated and informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some of my best resources to keep you up to date amidst this pandemic:
- Worried About Coronavirus? What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
- Is there a Cure for Coronavirus? The scoop on Chloroquine and other emerging treatments
- Do You Have Lyme Disease? What You Need to Know About COVID-19
- Powerful Ways to Boost Your Immune System as Coronavirus Spreads
While staying informed and taking precautions are important, they are only part of the equation. Protecting yourself from potentially developing autoimmunity requires a multifaceted approach.
How Can I Protect Myself From Autoimmune Disease?
While some people assume that autoimmunity is entirely caused by your genetics, that’s just plain not true. While genetics may make certain individuals more susceptible, the truth is, your lifestyle has a much bigger impact on your likelihood of developing autoimmunity.
When it comes to minimizing your chances of developing an autoimmune disorder, minimizing inflammation and promoting immune homeostasis is the name of the game.
Let’s take a look at some of the most powerful ways you can support your immune system and bolster your defenses against acquiring autoimmunity.
Focus on Gut Health
The beneficial microorganisms that reside in your gut influence your immune system by regulating the cells and chemicals released during the immune response and maintaining the integrity of the lining of your gut – a crucial barrier designed to keep invaders from reaching your bloodstream.8,9
The health of your gut and the health of your immune system are intricately linked. So, focusing on keeping your gut healthy and happy is one of the most potent ways to keep your immune system balanced. If you want to show your gut some love, I recommend:
- Taking a daily probiotic: Regularly introducing beneficial bacteria helps keep your gut balanced and crowds out any “bad” bacteria.
- Taking a collagen supplement: Collagen is chock-full of amino acids that are essential to keeping the lining of your gut healthy and intact.
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet: Minimize foods (like sugar, refined oils, and processed foods) that increase inflammation. Focus on basing most of your meals around wholesome real food to give your gut the nutrients it needs to stay balanced and healthy.
While your gut health and your diet are pivotal to immune health, there are also a few more factors to take into consideration.
Reduce Your Toxic Burden
We’re all bombarded with environmental toxins on a daily basis. Our bodies are naturally designed to process out potentially harmful compounds through our natural detoxification pathways. The problem arises when your body can no longer keep up with these exposures and toxins begin to accumulate in your body – increasing your overall toxic burden.
An increased toxic burden can stimulate your immune system and disrupt hormonal feedback. This low-level chronic inflammation overworks your immune system – depleting its energy and leaving it with fewer resources to direct at potential threats.
To learn more about how your toxic burden impacts your immune system, head over to my article How to Boost Your Immune System by Reducing Your Toxic Burden.
Take Immune Boosting Supplements
In an ideal world, we would get plenty of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from our diets. But the truth is, thanks to modern farming practices, less than ideal diets and lifestyles, and increasing levels of environmental toxins – most of us simply can’t get all of the necessary nutrients through diet alone. That’s where supplements come in.
Supplements are some of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to keeping your immune system in tip-top shape. Some of my favorite immune-boosting supplements are:
- Glutathione: This powerful antioxidant keeps inflammation levels in check, regulates your immune response, and neutralizes harmful free radicals.
- Vitamin D: This hormone plays a critical role in keeping your immune system running smoothly. In fact, a deficiency in Vitamin D is directly linked to an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disorder.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine is an amino acid that’s needed to make important antioxidants and has been shown to significantly boost immune function.
To learn more about exactly what supplements will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to supporting your immune system, check out my article Concerned About Your Health? Here Are the Best Immune-Boosting Supplements.
For more information on Dr. Jill Health, Inc products and services click here.
So, How Concerned Should You Really Be?
Both COVID-19 and autoimmunity are no laughing matter and can have serious implications for your health and life. And more time and research is needed to truly know to what extent COVID-19 is linked to developing autoimmune disorders.
But the good news is, you’re not simply at the mercy of your genes, or the environment, or a virus. When it comes to advocating for your health, you are in the driver’s seat. The choices you make on a daily basis gives you immense power over the state of your health.
That’s why I’m dedicated to bringing you the best resources available – to take some of the confusion and overwhelm out of exactly how you can prioritize your health and well-being. If you want my very best resources and recommendations delivered straight to your inbox, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsletter– all you have to do is type in your name and email address in the form below.
Now it’s time to hear from you. Were you surprised to hear that there may be a link between COVID-19 and autoimmune disorders? What steps are you taking to keep your immune system balanced and running on all cylinders? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below!
References:
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ad/2014/152428/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723519/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3971377/
- https://jameslyonsweiler.com/2020/02/26/things-you-dont-yet-know-but-need-to-know-about-the-novel-coronavirus-including-treatment-information-and-how-to-prepare-your-home/
- http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v16n11.shtml
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521661620304253
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-020-0448-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4742538/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440529/
We need to expand the discussion to mast cell activation disorders. Over half of the population has a level if it if they are autoimmune, which non profits number’s are more accurate. Any virus or infection can induce autoimmune, as well as a long list of environmental exposures. Targeted cytokine inflammation can vary amongst us, giving us a long list of diagnoses based on dysfunction or damage it causes. Diabetes BP disorders and a very long list.
The reason we have so much suffering, damage and deaths is because of legislation passed in 1992, getting key personnel and health agencies into the vaccine/diagnostic/treatment protocol business. They have commingling if patents over the industry they should be the watchdog over. Very corrupt and ruthless.
It’s why I’m a lead plaintiff in the Lyme Antitrust RICO Lawsuit. Filed in federal court. Trial Sept 2021
What if you have an auto immune problem to begin with how do you turn it around
Hi Jeff
Looking for root triggers to autoimmunity may help.
warmly
Dr Jill
What are the route triggers and can we turn those triggers off and go back to normal
I have myasthenia gravis and it seem to also create neuropathy in the upper part of my body which is very uncomfortable and hurts
Hi Jeff,
There are many triggers to autoimmunity including toxins, infections, metabolic dysfunction, leaky gut, dysbiosis or stress/emotional trauma. I am sorry for your suffering. You might start with evaluation of the gut with a functional medicine doctor.
warmly
Dr. Jill
That is exactly my question. If you already have autoimmune condition, is one even more at risk from Covid-19. For some reason, functional practitioners don’t seem to be addressing this.
Hi Marilyn and Jeff
You are probably not getting the answers you desire because the truth is although those of us in the field do see some patients with underlying inflammation and cytokine production have a greater risk of COVID-19 compilations with infection there is no clear cut evidence at this point that every patient with autoimmunity has an increase risk of infection or complication.
warmly
Dr. Jill
What if we already have an autoimmune condition? I’m not on any immunosuppressants but now wondering if I should be! I take glutathione a couple of times a week and have upped my Vitamin D. Thank you!
I just read that on the CDC website, and it’s true, I checked that you can end up with a positive covid test if you’ve ever had the common cold b/c covid is in the same family! So this is just going to freak everyone out if they get tested and think they’ve had covid and now your article is going to make more people worry that they’re more at risk than they are for autoimmune disease–or worsening of ones they already have b/c theses tests are so faulty! The public is going be held hostage by more fear than they have now and this is worse for health than almost anything! Please write about the problems with testing–many have but I would like your perspective on this. Testing is highly suspect and has many flaws.
This is true for ANTIBODY tests only. They are not talking about the swab test for an active COVID-19 infection. This entire page is information on ANTIBODY TESTING ONLY: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/serology-overview.html
As with everything, you have to read carefully and determine the context of the statement you are quoting. Saying all COVID-19 testing is affected by the common cold is 100% false. It’s people reading statements such as yours and repeating them without ever actually making sure it’s true is partially why we are in the mess we are in.
Please do not spread false or misleading information.
It is my understanding that the test being used only confirms that you have been exposed to a coronavirus and not the specific one connected to this crisis. You will notice that they never say there are new COVID-19 cases, but coronavirus cases. You can never accuse them of lying when they make this assertion.
Rather than live in fear, learn what to do after you have been out. Figure that you have been exposed and do everything to mitigate that exposure. Start by supporting you immune system as per Dr. Carnahan and others…..vitamins C and D for sure. When you get home, wash your hands AND your face. I never could figure out why that isn’t stressed since we all touch our faces frequently. I made up a nasal spray using GSE in sterile water and use that to tackle any virus that has already made its way into my body. You can use a neti pot too, but this works for me. You could also gargle, but I just take a zinc lozenge. I routinely change my clothes because of chemical sensitivities, but not sure that is necessary for this virus. I guess it couldn’t hurt. Above all, turn off the news or do what I do…..I celebrate each new case because it brings us that much closer to herd immunity….much to the chagrin of Dr. Fauci and Bill Gates.
Jeanne, I am a Registered Nurse. The information you received is wrong. Please go back and do your research. You have the viral test for COVID-19 confused with the antibody test, which isn’t generally used to test for COVID. The antibody test is used to see if you have formed antibodies after either being exposed or actually having been diagnosed with COVID. Please don’t post inaccurate information, as you only make the confusion worse.
I am not surprised to hear Covid 19 causes autoimmunity at all. I developed a simple virus as a senior in college and had to drop out my last year because of my enduring symptoms that continue to progress to today. I developed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/CFS and fibro and so many other conditions because my body could not handle that virus, at that time, I suppose, along with my genetics I’m sure. I’m not sure ME/CFS nor fibro is autoimmune though, perhaps hypoimmune. I wish it was autoimmune though, so I could take immunosuppressants and fell better. Anyway I sure hope things get better somehow. I supplement with glutathione and D and various other stuff. Thanks for the article.
What has been put out there has been transposed. What you are speaking of is a positive test for serologic antibody tests versus the initial viral, polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test which is the one to determine if you have coronavirus.
Here is a fact check below:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/07/03/fact-check-common-cold-does-not-produce-positive-covid-19-test-result/5366801002/
Jeanne,
I think you misread. It has to do with the ANTIBODY blood tests, not the swab testing for COVID-19. This is what the CDC site says: “A positive test result shows you may have antibodies from an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. However, there is a chance a positive result means that you have antibodies from an infection with a virus from the same family of viruses (called coronaviruses), such as the one that causes the common cold.”
Here’s the link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/serology-overview.html
Thanks Dr. Carnahan for this information!
I have a question. Since NAC is a precursor to glutathione, what is the benefit of taking glutathione in addition to NAC?
Thanks so much,
Chris
NAC also has anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs and other tissues and may act as a mucolytic in the lungs and sinuses
Dr. Carnahan,
Thank you for all of the great information that you share. It is worth mentioning that the above measures you recommend are important at any time. Any virus can cause auto-immunity. Not just Covid-19. One of the questions I always ask my patients who I am seeing for auto-immune issues is about a history of viral illnesses. Many can lay dormant for many years and be reactivated by any type of stressor. It is important for people to know that it is not only Covid-19 that can cause this response.
HI Jeanette – yes, thank you for clarifying this… EBV and CMV and other viruses like HSV have clearly been linked to autoimmunity.
I have three active autoimmune diseases. Am I more at risk for getting serious heath Issues if I get Covid 19?
People who have autoimmunity are not at greater risk of contracting this virus
May not be at greater risk if already have autoimmune condition, but if contact Covid 19, may it be more serious effect? Should autoimmune people shield?
Those with immune deficiency and underlying inflammation are at increased risk. Not all patient with autoimmunity have either of these issues.
I am wondering if history of prior influenza vaccine is prevalent in those that have an exaggerated immune and inflammatory response. Could they have an immune system that is primed to be over-responsive?
Any adjuvant, like aluminum, added to a vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune response in a vaccine and so it is certainly possible that an additive could have an immune-stimulating effect if a person is prone to overactive immune response.
Autoimmune diseases don’t exist unless you don’t really understand whats going on.
http://microbeminded.com/2018/04/16/re-thinking-the-theory-of-autoimmunity-in-the-era-of-the-microbiome/
This is a well written article that supports my theory very closely, “So, for example, when the “autoantibody” ANA is identified in patients with lupus, it could simply indicate that an unidentified pathogen plays a role in driving the lupus disease process. Also, it’s more likely that “autoantibodies” are created in response to chronic, persistent human pathogens than a temporary pathogen that the immune system somehow kills (as postulated by the “pathogen/trigger” theory.)” I agree that pathogens like the virus are the real drivers to autoimmunity! Thanks for sharing this fantastic resource with our readers. In functional medicine we don’t stop with the diagnosis but search for “triggers” and mediators such as infection or toxins that are the real drivers behind autoimmunity.
Dr. Jill,
Per the above- if coronavirus, like other viruses, can be a triggering factor in autoimmunity, and if it can exacerbate preexisting autoimmune tendencies in a person who already has such a condition, does this risk vary with age?
Thank you for your writings, as always.
Dr Jill,
Does the corona virus affect blood platelets and RBC’s? I heard it can cause clots, not sure of the mechanism. My platelets are high due to being post splenectomy ITP patient. As of last few years my RBC potassium is low in an ION test and I can’t seem to improve RBC potassium. Does this put me at higher risk? Any advise would be appreciated.