If you’re immunocompromised, you may be due for a booster if it’s been four months since your last dose. Here’s what to know.
By Kelsey Kloss
New Research Shows Booster Shots Give Patients on Immunosuppressants More Protection Against COVID-19
It’s the first study to quantify the effectiveness of the vaccines for this population in a real-world setting.
By Study Highlights Pros and Cons of Pausing Methotrexate to Get COVID Shots
While researchers find pausing methotrexate for two weeks resulted in more protection from the COVID vaccine, it also led to increased disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Living with chronic illness is costly, so when the economy looks bleak it’s natural to feel anxious about health care expenses. Here’s help.
By Kelsey Kloss
5 Things We Still Don’t Know About COVID-19 in the Immunocompromised
Researchers hope new studies will shed light on these questions for those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID.
By Kelsey Kloss
Everything You Need to Know If You’re Prescribed Paxlovid as an Immunocompromised Patient
See answers to all of your questions about this antiviral pill — from how it works to side effects and more.
Fortunately, you have more ways to keep yourself safe today compared to more than two years ago when the pandemic began.
By Kelsey Kloss
What We Know About How COVID-19, Long COVID, and COVID-19 Vaccines Differ Between Males and Females
More studies reporting sex-disaggregated outcomes are needed, but early clues shed light on how your risk may differ based on your assigned sex.
By Kelsey Kloss
High Rates of Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue Common Post-COVID, Say Researchers
More than 40 percent of patients reported at least moderate sleep disturbances and nearly 70 percent reported at least moderate fatigue.
Living with chronic illness is costly, so when the economy looks bleak it’s natural to feel anxious about health care expenses. Here’s help.
By Kelsey Kloss
Everything You Need to Know If You’re Prescribed Paxlovid as an Immunocompromised Patient
See answers to all of your questions about this antiviral pill — from how it works to side effects and more.
By CreakyStaff
Rheumatology Patients Are Still Struggling with Shortages of Actemra, a Medication Being Used to Treat COVID-19
We talked with rheumatoid arthritis patients and rheumatologists to find out how this shortage is physically and mentally impacting our community — and what to do if you can’t access Actemra right now.
A new study found that many patients who tapered their meds wound up flaring.
Suspect Rheumatoid Arthritis? Seeing a Rheumatologist Within 6 Weeks Is Key
Time is of the essence when RA symptoms strike.
By CreakyStaff
EULAR 2020: 50+ Updates That Could Change the Way You Treat Your Arthritis
Held virtually, the 2020 medical meeting from the European League Against Rheumatism shared important medical breakthroughs and updates about managing rheumatic conditions.
The answer to this question can empower you to feel good about mask-wearing, even as others toss theirs aside, shares Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation.
By Kelsey Kloss
Your Thoughts on Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Plus, why it’s perfectly okay not to “learn a lesson” at all.
By Kelsey Kloss
How the Immunocompromised Community Can Support Each Other During This Stage of the Pandemic
You may have a sense of being left behind as the rest of the world returns to normal activities, but connecting with other immunocompromised patients may help you feel less alone.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 25 precent of respondents said they have already received their fifth COVID-19 vaccine dose, and some are waiting for a variant-specific booster.
By Poll Results: Our Community May Be Doing More Activities This Summer but Have Greater Worry Over Lack of COVID Safety
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 30 percent of respondents said they feel more comfortable doing activities in public this summer compared to last summer. That said, they were most comfortable planning gatherings with close family and friends.
By Angie Ebba
With COVID Restrictions Lifting, What Will Happen to Us?
"Instead of returning to the old normal, let’s create a new normal, a future that includes access and accommodations, and multiple ways of experiencing and moving through the world," says patient advocate Angie Ebba.
The American College of Rheumatology has issued new guidance about how to use flu, pneumonia, zoster (shingles), and HPV vaccines, including indications and medication timing around vaccination.
By Navigating Black Hair and Scalp Psoriasis
Treatments for scalp psoriasis often don’t account for the textures, hair care regimens, and styling techniques common among Black people. Here, solutions for advocating for yourself and finding relief.
Are Pharmacists the Key to Increased Vaccination Rates?
New research makes a case for expanding the authority of pharmacists to administer all available FDA-approved or CDC-recommended vaccines to improve access in low-income communities.
Researchers set out to determine whether telephone-delivered talk therapy and exercise could have a significant impact on people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
By CreakyStaff
Why the Future of Patient-Centered Arthritis Research Will Involve Your Smartwatch
A new study from ArthritisPower shows that patients are very engaged when it comes to using a smartwatch along with short surveys to better understand rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
By CreakyStaff
What Prompts Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients to Change Their Treatment? New Research Examines This Complicated Condition
Many axial spondyloarthritis patients are talking with their providers about their treatment plan — and wanting to prevent long-term damage is a major factor in how they think about it.
A new review from CreakyJoints provides recommendations for how providers can guide patients who are interested in cannabis for pain treatment.
Warning: Your Health Insurance Might Not Cover the Meds You Need Most
New study finds drug formularies often have exclusions that could harm your health or cost you more money.
Could Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Make Osteoarthritis Worse? What a New Study Found
A new study suggests that NSAIDs, a common osteoarthritis pain treatment, could be making symptoms worse. But more research is needed.
A new study examined the effectiveness of digital exercise programs, which may be especially beneficial for osteoarthritis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Boost Bone Density, Doing More High-Intensity Exercise in the Teenage Years Seems Key
More time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in adolescence was associated with greater hip bone mineral density at age 25 years, a new study found.
By Lupus Patients Who Don’t Exercise Are 3 Times More Likely to Become Depressed
Depression is common with lupus, but engaging in even just a little physical activity may significantly reduce your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis patient Eileen Davidson has had her share of doctor visits virtually and in person. Here’s her take on the good and bad of telehealth — and why it’s transformed her care.
By Susan Jara
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: 7 Things You Should Tell Your Rheumatologist
Communication is the key to getting your RA pain under good control. Here’s what you need to discuss with your doctor if you’re experiencing an increase in RA pain.
By Susan Jara
How to Discuss Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain During a Telehealth Visit
Pain isn’t as easy to manage when providers can’t see and touch your joints in person, but you can effectively discuss and treat RA pain during virtual visits. Here’s how.
