Arthritis and the Flu

If you have rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, you may be taking drugs you take to treat your disease that SUPPRESS your immune system, and THAT makes you more susceptible to the FLU, AND pneumonia. In order to protect youself, you should WASH your hands often, and try to avoid contact with sick people. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with RA and PA get the flu vaccine YEARLY. Since the injection contains an INACTIVE strain of the flu, you CAN’T get sick from it. But, RA and PA patients should NOT get the INHALED vaccine, because that DOES contain a live strain of influenza. People taking immuno-suppressants might have a weaker response to the vaccine. But studies show that they’re STILL capable of producing antibodies that will protect them from the virus. The TIMING of your flu vaccine might be especially important, depending on what drugs you’re taking. CONSULT with your doctor. To learn more about joint pain complications, watch additional videos in this series.