Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can cause the body to attack its own organs and tissues. Symptoms may include joint pain, kidney/heart/lung disease, physical exhaustion, anemia, hair loss, skin rash, and sensitivity to sunlight. Lupus is not a virus or bacterial infection, and it is not contagious. It’s called a “hidden disability” because the patient often has no outwardly visible signs. No two cases are exactly alike, and symptoms can come and go. When the disease is active, it’s called a “flare,” and when inactive, it’s in remission. There is no known cure. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the U.S. have this chronic illness.