Yes, people with RA can get the flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone aged 6 months old or older receive an annual flu vaccination. The rare exceptions to this include those with severe allergies to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Reactive arthritis is a rare adverse effect induced by influenza vaccination; however, it is important that it is recognized by all physicians.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, November is the best month to get a flu vaccination. Studies have shown flu vaccines are safe for most patients with autoimmune disorders, although the overall effectiveness of the vaccinations for people with these disorders may be diminished.
Which vaccines should I be getting? Irrespective of age, anyone with RA is recommended to have an annual influenza vaccine, as well as a one-off pneumonia vaccine. If you are over 70, then it is also recommended to have a shingles vaccine.
Overexertion, poor sleep, stress or an infection like the flu can all set off RA symptoms. With a predictable flare you'll temporarily feel worse, but your symptoms will resolve in time. Unpredictable flares have more uncertainty associated with them.
In the study, the median survival rate for healthy adults was approximately 82 years while the median survival rate for people with RA was approximately 77 years.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system – which usually fights infection – attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making them swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joint itself, the cartilage and nearby bone.
Having RA also means you are more likely to end up in the hospital if you develop an infection. This risk is related to a suppressed immune system and the use of RA therapies that add further strain on your immune system.
People with RA should avoid the live FluMist vaccine for influenza. 13 Other live attenuated vaccines include those for measles, mumps, and yellow fever. Some of these may be appropriate for those with RA, but you should discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Abstract. Vaccines have undoubtedly brought overwhelming benefits to mankind and are considered safe and effective. Nevertheless, they can occasionally stimulate autoantibody production or even a recently defined syndrome known as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).
However, it can trigger the onset of autoimmune disorders for some. In these rare cases, the seasonal influenza vaccine may cause someone to develop autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).
Our immune systems are the same. Though we all want strong, robust immune systems, “boosting” or “strengthening” the immune system isn't particularly desirable. In fact, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis occur when the immune system over-reacts and attacks healthy tissue in the body.
The guidelines suggest that people with a chronic inflammatory condition who take immunosuppressive medications – including methotrexate and various biologic drugs – get the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccines according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) schedule.
The role of medications
It's true that some arthritis medications (such as methotrexate and biologics) make the flu vaccine somewhat less effective, compared to the general population. Still, it's important not to write off the shot—it does still provide some protection, says Dr. Kwong.
If you have RA and the flu, the risks of complications are higher: There's a greater likelihood of hospitalization, in addition to secondary bacterial infections like sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia, Ruderman says.
“It has been known for more than 50 years that patients with inflammatory arthritis are more susceptible to infections such as colds and flu,” says Chase Correia, MD, a Northwestern University Medicine rheumatologist and a member of the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you're more likely to get certain infections. That means you may have a higher chance of getting COVID-19. If you do get sick, your symptoms could be more serious than someone who doesn't have RA. Some medicines you take might also make infections more likely.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19
Medications that suppress your immune system may also put you at a higher risk. Age and other underlying conditions may also play a role. If you get infected, your symptoms may be more severe.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.
RA flare-ups are caused by one or more triggers, including diet, stress, illness, weather changes, smoking, and overexertion. The most common signs of RA are joint pain and swelling, fatigue, and joint stiffness, especially in the morning and after sitting for long periods.
Methotrexate is usually the first medicine given for rheumatoid arthritis, often with another DMARD and a short course of steroids (corticosteroids) to relieve any pain. These may be combined with biological treatments.
Heart disease should be considered a serious cause for concern among people with RA, even those who've yet to reach middle age.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life. It can cause pain, disability, and premature death. Premature heart disease. People with RA are also at a higher risk for developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
How can rheumatoid arthritis change your everyday life? It's common to have stiff and painful joints in the morning, making it difficult to get up and start the day. Everyday chores like cooking, laundry, cleaning, garden work and recreational activities can become a challenge as the disease progresses.