Infection....

[Sjhoney]

Hi! Quick question, if you have a cold/infection does it make your RA worse?

Ta 👍

[Siri84]

Hello ,

I am assuming that you are newly diagnosed. To answer your question- Yes , it does . The body will be fighting the infection and since you have RA, which is a autoimmune disease - the antibodies will be attacking the foreign organisms (virus ) along with your own joints . Lots of people have fatigue , fever , soreness of joints and prolonged infection. I generally live in a sterile environment, limiting interactions with people suffering from flu because we are more susceptible to catching infections due to the faulty immune system. Hope this helps !

Cheers,

Siri

[Sjhoney in reply to Siri84]

Yes it does, thanks!

Diagnosed over 2 years ago but still working thru dmards to find one that works 🙄

[oldtimer]

The short answer is 'yes'! I find that I'm particularly affected since being on low dose steroids as a maintenance dose - and if I have a more serious infection then the medical team usually put me on a higher dose of steroids to cope with having the infection as well as the Rheumatoid Disease.

[nomoreheels]

In a word yes, but unlike Siri 84 I don't live in a sterile environment yet only had 2 or 3 what I would consider bad colds since diagnosis 11 years ago. I take action if I'm aware of or anyone around who obviously does have a cold, just avoidance basically but otherwise only general common sense things like hand washing, anti bacterial gel & such. I do hot foot it down to my GP (or call if bad enough) at the first sign of a cold affecting my chest as it generally does, medicated with a course of antibiotics.

I'm also on low dose maintenance steroids but not sure as I've had so few colds that those or my other meds have an effect on my immune system being 'low'. I think just be sensible, have the flu jab annually & the pneumococcal vaccine if recommended. If look after yourself when you're flaring with a cold & dose as appropriately you'll generally be fine.

Those on anti-TNF's/biologics do have to be more aware of viruses & bacterial infections of course as their immune system is trying to fight both the cold & RD itself harder than those not on them.

[BoneyC]

Considering my 49 year RA history, I seldom have a cold and never had flu. Hand hygiene is important.

[HappykindaGal]

First Defence is my friend! I’ve been around people that have had colds and so far, fingers crossed, managed to avoid one.