Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Autoimmune diseases are health conditions that happen when the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. They are also called autoimmune disorders by healthcare providers.

The immune system is the body’s built-in defense system. It automatically detects substances that shouldn’t be in the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It sends out white blood cells to eliminate them before they can damage the body or make a person sick.

If a person has an autoimmune disease, their immune system is overactive. When it doesn’t have anything to attack, the immune system turns on the body and damages healthy tissue.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions, which means a person will have to manage them and the symptoms they cause for the rest of their life.

There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any tissue or organ in the body, depending on where the immune system malfunctions. These autoimmune diseases can include:

Joints and muscles

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Lupus

Myositis

Skin and blood vessels

Sjögren’s syndrome

Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis

Dermatomyositis

Scleroderma

Vasculitis

Rheumatoid vasculitis

Urticarial vasculitis

Vitiligo

Digestive system

Crohn’s disease

Celiac disease

Ulcerative colitis

Autoimmune gastritis

Endocrine system

Type 1 diabetes

Addison’s disease

Hashimoto’s thyroditis

Graves’ disease

Nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD)

Autoimmune diseases are very common due to there being so many different types, with experts estimating that around 1 in 15 people in the U.S. has an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect a person’s body from head to toe. Conditions that affect the muscles can cause muscle weakness, joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, indicating a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Type 1 diabetes causes high blood sugar. And some autoimmune diseases can affect a person’s vision.

Many autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation, which causes a feeling of warmth, discoloration or redness of the skin, swelling, and pain.

Additionally, a lot of autoimmune diseases can cause recurring symptoms. These episodes of more noticeable or more severe symptoms are called flares or attacks.

Unfortunately, experts don’t know for certain what causes autoimmune diseases, and researchers are still studying what makes the immune system start attacking the body in the first place.

However, some studies have found certain factors, or triggers, that might increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease. They include:

Viral infections such as COVID-19 and the Epstein-Barr virus

A person’s sex, as women are more likely to have an autoimmune condition

Having biological relatives with autoimmune diseases, as some are genetic and can be passed through generations of a biological family

Having one autoimmune disease can increase a person’s odds of developing another one. This is called multiple autoimmune syndrome

Exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors may trigger autoimmune diseases

Smoking and other types of tobacco use can cause many health issues, including potentially triggering autoimmune diseases

A healthcare provider diagnoses autoimmune diseases when they perform a physical exam and discuss a person’s health history with them. They will examine their body, specifically if they are experiencing symptoms in a specific area. They will ask about the person’s symptoms and when they first noticed them.

A healthcare provider will perform tests for several different conditions that can cause the symptoms until they find a cause. This is called a differential diagnosis. They may order blood tests to look for specific markers, or clues the immune system leaves behind after it damages the body or causes specific issues, of autoimmune diseases.

They may also perform imaging tests to look inside the body, including:

X-rays

CT scan

Ultrasound

Autoimmune diseases may need a variety of treatments, since they cause a variety of symptoms. Which treatment is needed depends on which condition a person has. Everyone’s immune system, genetics, and environment are different, which means the treatments will be unique to each person. Some common treatments to manage autoimmune disease symptoms include:

Pain relievers

Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Immunosuppressants

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

IVIG infusions

A person may need specific treatment based on what condition they have. People with Type 1 diabetes will need insulin therapy. People with celiac disease will need to eat a gluten-free diet.

The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients in Queens, NY, who develop rheumatological disorders. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 718-206-6742.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Covid and Laryngitis

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As new COVID-19 variants emerge, new symptoms of the virus are being reported. One of those symptoms is acute laryngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of your larynx, also known as your voice box, and/or vocal cords.

Laryngitis typically begins suddenly and worsens progressively over the first three days. The symptoms usually go away afterward. Symptoms of laryngitis include:

A hoarse voice
Losing your voice from time to time
A sore throat
A constant need to clear your throat
An irritating, persistent cough

The hoarseness you may experience with COVID-19 is similar to the hoarseness you would experience with the flu or any other upper respiratory illness. COVID-19-causing laryngitis is particularly concerning because the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself causes inflammation. That means that many of the secondary symptoms you will experience, such as coughing, can be quite violent and can irritate your voice box further.

There isn’t much you can do to prevent the development of laryngitis or other throat and vocal cord problems when you have COVID-19. However, there are many ways to treat the condition, including:

Staying hydrated
Using cough drops and other over-the-counter cough suppressants
Avoiding speaking
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Gargling with salt water
Keeping the air in your house moist by using a humidifier
Eating a healthy diet can help prevent acid reflux, which can worsen your condition

If you are experiencing symptoms of laryngitis, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

When is a Cough Serious?

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Coughing is a normal reflex and often does not signify a serious underlying medical condition. However, a cough could be connected to a more significant health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor when it is:

Severe
Worsening over time
Occurring frequently over several days or weeks

A cough can be either “acute,” meaning that it lasts less than three weeks, or “chronic,” meaning that it lasts longer. Some causes of acute cough, such as the common cold or exposure to airborne irritants, are not necessarily causes for concern on their own, but others, such as pneumonia and influenza, are potentially life-threatening for some people, such as older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

In many cases, chronic coughing is also not indicative of a major, life-threatening health problem, such as when it is caused by mild allergies or asthma. However, it may be a cause for concern when it is severe, frequent, or accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss

These symptoms could indicate that a cough is associated with a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary embolism. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

You can receive diagnostic care and specialized treatment for your cough at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86: What You Should Know

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected a new variant of COVID-19 called BA.2.86. While many details about this variant are not currently known, it is believed (though unconfirmed) that it can potentially cause infections more easily in people who have previously had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against the virus.

Cases of BA.2.86 were first detected in Denmark and Israel before initially appearing in the United States. The presence of this variant was also preliminarily detected in a wastewater sample collected by the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), one of multiple monitoring systems used by the CDC to detect COVID-19 variants and better understand their spread throughout the United States.

BA.2.86 has a large number of mutations compared to other variants of COVID-19, raising concerns that it may be more resistant against the immunity provided by vaccines and other treatments. However, it is believed that, based on the mutation profile of this variant, current treatments such as Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, as well as the new vaccines to be made available to the public this fall, will still offer effective protection. Additionally, most of the United States population carries COVID-19 antibodies due to prior vaccination, infection, or both, which will likely continue to provide protection against severe illness due to the virus.

BA.2.86 spreads in the same way as other COVID-19 variants, which means that it can generally be prevented in the same ways. Aside from staying up to date with your vaccinations, some steps you can take to protect yourself and others include:

Washing your hands
Staying home and getting tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick
Seeking treatment if you test positive
Wearing a high-quality mask that fits over your nose and mouth
Improving ventilation in your home and work space

You can get vaccinated and treated for COVID-19 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

What You Should Know About The Novavax Adjuvanted COVID Vaccine

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Novavax vaccine, Adjuvanted was recently authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12 years of age and older. It is the fourth vaccine to receive authorization in the U.S. along with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine packages harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future.”

Adjuvanted is found to be 90% effective against COVID. It is used for primary vaccinations, meaning it has not been authorized for use as a booster.

The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart. It is given as an injection in the muscle. Mixing Adjuvanted with other COVID-19 vaccines is not recommended at this time.

As with other vaccines, there are side effects associated with Adjuvanted. The most common side effects include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site
Injection site redness or swelling
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea/ vomiting
Fever
Chills

Myocarditis and pericarditis, conditions caused by an inflammation of the heart, have occurred in a few clinical trial participants.

Although potential side effects can occur after receiving a COVID vaccine, the CDC advises that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Vaccines remain the most effective form of protection against infection.

It is important to remember that information about COVID-19 is constantly changing as we learn more about the virus. We encourage you to visit the CDC for updates.

COVID-19 In Children

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Recent reports have shown a dramatic increase in the number of children testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States, especially as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads across the country.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported the week of January 13^th, which is four times the amount we experienced during last winter’s surge.

Due to the rise in pediatric cases in the U.S., Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to provide parents with a list of signs and symptoms to look for in their children.

In most cases, COVID-19 symptoms in kids are milder than the symptoms experienced by adults and in some cases, children display no signs at all.

Some of the possible symptoms of a COVID-19 infection in children include:

Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose or congestion
Shortness of breath
Fever
Chills
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue

Some children may also experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or loss of taste or smell.

Even though most children who become infected do not experience severe symptoms, some may develop a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (or MIS-C). This condition is characterized by inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, eyes, skin, brain, or gastrointestinal organs. Recent research has shown that children between the ages of 2 and 15 infected with COVID-19 may develop MIS-C. Onset of symptoms typically occur between two to six weeks after the child is exposed to coronavirus. Possible symptoms of MIS-C include:

Skin rash
Abdominal pain
Cracked lips
Swelling of the hands or feet
Bloodshot eyes

The best protection against serious illness for COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. It is recommended that all children, ages five and up get a vaccine. For details, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Differences Between COVID PCR and Rapid Tests

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

What are some of the differences between a COVID PCR test and a rapid test?

Here are a few:

1. PCR or Polymerase chain reaction tests detect RNA ( the virus’ genetic material).
2. Rapid tests or antigen tests detect proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens.
3. A PCR test is considered to be highly accurate. It is the most sensitive test method available at this time.
4. According to the CDC, antigen test sensitivity “varies depending on the course of infection, but generally moderate-to-high at times of peak viral load.”
5. Most PCR test specimens are processed in a lab.
6. Rapid test samples are applied to a test strip.
7. The turnaround time for PCR test results on average can be 1- 3 days (This may vary depending on a facility’s capacity to process specimens)
8. The turnaround time for rapid test results ranges from 15- 30 minutes.

Remember getting tested for COVID is very important to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID, you should get tested regardless of vaccination status.

Tips On How To Gather And Travel Safely For The Holidays

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the emergence of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant is likely to spread more easily than the original virus. Therefore, it is important for people to exercise safety and caution, especially while traveling and gathering during the holiday season.

If you plan on traveling or socializing, it is important to follow these safety guidelines provided by the CDC to protect your health and the health of others:

Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Test to prevent spread to others (Getting tested can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19).
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or if you test positive for COVID-19.

The CDC is also recommending that you delay travel if you have not been fully vaccinated. Other travel and socialization recommendations include keeping gatherings small and consider staying at a hotel if you are visiting loved ones out of town.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus and minimize the severity of the disease.

It is important to keep in mind that you are considered vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or two weeks after a single dose of getting Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If you do not meet these requirements, you must continue to take the same precautions as those who are unvaccinated.

By following these recommendations, we can stop the spread of the virus, protect our health, and safely enjoy the holidays.

Vaccine Booster Eligibility

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

COVID-19 vaccines are found to be effective in lowering the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, the efficacy of the vaccine may decrease over time. To help strengthen and prolong protection from COVID, vaccine boosters or additional shots are recommended for individuals who are fully vaccinated but may be at an increased risk for infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who fit certain criteria.

According to the CDC, individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, are eligible for a booster if they are:

65 years or older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live-in high-risk settings

Booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine are recommended six months after receiving your second dose. You can get any of the vaccines authorized in the U.S.

If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you are 18 years old or older. Getting any of the boosters authorized in the U.S. two months after vaccination is recommended.

Side effects to booster shots may vary, the CDC states, “Reactions reported after getting a booster shot were similar to that of the 2-shot or single-dose initial series. Fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot or single-dose initial series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.”

What You Need To Know About The Delta Variant

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

It is common for viruses to change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur. These variants can affect the strength, symptoms, or transmission rate of the virus. There have been multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United States and globally throughout this pandemic. One variant that you may be hearing more and more about is the Delta variant.

The highly transmissible delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was first identified in India and has now been reported in at least 104 countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of the virus, representing 51.7% of new COVID cases in the United States as of the week of July 3.

The Delta variant is a cause of concern to health authorities because it is thought to be the most transmissible variant yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Delta variant is estimated to be approximately 55% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was first identified in Britain last year. Officials believe it is more contagious because of its ability to partially evade the antibodies made by the immune system after a coronavirus infection or vaccination.

Many health experts fear the variant will cause a surge in new cases this fall, hitting the unvaccinated the hardest. Currently, only 48% of adult Americans are fully vaccinated, well below the 70% most believe is needed to achieve herd immunity. In fact, areas in the U.S. with low vaccination rates are already beginning to see delta-driven outbreaks, and the number of COVID-19 cases has begun to climb again nationally.

The good news is that data suggests that several widely used shots, including those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, appear to retain most of their effectiveness against the delta variant.

Jamaica Hospital urges everyone eligible to get vaccinated if they have not already done so. Vaccination is the best way to stop the spread of all the variants and reduce the odds that new, even more, dangerous variants emerge.