• Disease of the immune system that affects the entire body
• Symptoms may include tiredness, butterfly-shaped rash on face, muscle pain and joint pain
• Cause unknown
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but most common in females of childbearing age
• May be mild to severe
• Can be life threatening

• Avoid smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Wear sunscreen year-round and wear protective clothing
• Get plenty of sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Track what triggers flare-ups and try to avoid them
• Decrease your level of stress where possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help using relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, stretching and tai-chi

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen