The top 3 things you should know about rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that targets the joints by deteriorating the tissue around them. Common symptoms of RA include chronic pain and swelling in the joints. This condition affects 1.3 million people in the U.S. Women are more susceptible to RA than men. According to research, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are more susceptible to certain conditions, like COVID-19. If you do test positive for COVID-19, you might experience more severe symptoms; in some cases, expert medical care may be necessary. If you are a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer who has previously had COVID-19 or someone who knows such a person, you may benefit from reading the list below. Keep reading for a few vital pieces of information that people should be aware of if they have RA and COVID-19.

3 vital things that people should know about if they have RA and have also had COVID

1. People with RA possess a higher risk for COVID-19 complications ” If you're someone with RA, you're more likely to experience complications during and after an infection of COVID-19. Some of these complications might include blood clots and sepsis, which may require hospitalization and can even cause death.

2. Some rheumatoid arthritis drugs can worsen the effects of COVID-19 ” Several published reports found that certain RA medications actually cause more serious effects of COVID-19. Individuals taking RA medications like rituximab and Janus kinase inhibitors or TNF inhibitors have reported more severe COVID-19 symptoms including shortness of breath and fatigue. Some of these more serious symptoms have led to hospitalizations and even death.

3. Vaccination can protect against future infection ” If you've had COVID-19, you probably already know how it can make your RA symptoms worse. Making sure to be vaccinated and up to date on your vaccines can help prevent becoming infected again, which could inflame your RA symptoms or even cause painful or uncomfortable long-term effects.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your RA after COVID-19

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and who can help you address your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms after COVID-19. Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.