Yes, getting sick can lead to an autoimmune disease. When a person experiences a severe infection, their body produces antibodies to fight off the infection. However, in some cases, the antibodies mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues, resulting in an autoimmune disorder.
Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body. Common examples include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. In most cases, the exact cause of an autoimmune disease is unknown. However, researchers have identified certain risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and viral and bacterial infections, that can increase the likelihood of developing an autoimmune disorder.
Getting sick, particularly with a severe infection, is one of the environmental triggers that has been linked to the development of an autoimmune disorder. When a person experiences a severe infection, their body produces a large number of antibodies to fight off the infection. In some cases, these antibodies mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues, resulting in an autoimmune disorder.
Although getting sick can increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease, it does not necessarily mean that a person will develop one. There are other risk factors, such as a family history of autoimmune disease, that can also contribute to the development of an autoimmune disorder. If you are concerned about the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can provide more information about your risk factors and help you take steps to reduce your risk.