Post- virus flare?

[MelissaM1987]

Hi everyone,

I have recently recovered from a severe case of Keratitis in both my eyes - hospital visits, 6 medications and three weeks of feeling poorly and I (hope) I am finally through it, pending successful withdrawal of all drops.

I have, however, been left with quite a bit of pain in hands, wrists, elbows since. I was diagnosed with RA in 2015 and am currently taking Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine (due to family planning). Sulfasalazine works OK, but not as effective as MTX in my experience.

Does anyone else experience flares after bouts of illness, or should I be more concerned that my medication is starting to not work?

Any experience welcome - this infection knocked me quite a bit and I feel a bit daunted at the thought of now having to contend with a flare as well!

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. So sorry you’re having a rough time. I flared badly after covid in February and my Baricitinib switched off to the extent I now am on Tocilizumab and hoping that’ll work. Quite a few people on here have talked about flares post infections - don’t know if any research has been done but from reading about general experiences it seems that some of the drugs we’re on don’t perform well if their routines are upset!

[Hannah-NRAS]

Hi MelissaM1987,

It is not uncommon to experience a flare following infection, this is because RA itself is from an overactive immune system so when the immune system sets about fighting off an infection it kicks in at a higher level. This can then lead to a flare.

Your rheumatology team can help if you are struggling to manage the flare, so its worth reaching out to them. They are also then aware of your circumstances and will be better placed to monitor your condition and treatment going forward in case there is a need to look at your medications.

Here is also an article that we hope will offer some handy hints and tips for managing your flare: nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS

[Sheila_G]

It is quite common to have a flare after being ill so as you recover your flare will hopefully decrease.

[oldtimer2]

Please let your rheumatology team know that you are having a flare. It's common for people to flare after unrelated infections as the immune system becomes more active generally.

[Leics]

Yeah I find if I have an infection be it viral or bacterial my non existent immune system goes into overdrive and I flare badly during and afterwards. Also the baricitanib which I took for a year no longer worked after a particularly persistent chest infection. Hopefully when you’ve fully recovered from your infection and flare things will settle down again and your meds will still be ok for you. It doesn’t always happen that they don’t remain effective but as others have said maybe reach out to your team and see what they advise.