Trying to navigate the latest guidance for additional COVID-19 vaccine doses and COVID-19 booster shots when you are immunocompromised isn’t easy. Here is what we know so far.
COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Flares Are Uncommon in Rheumatic Disease Patients
A new study found that disease flares may be uncommon after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for patients who haven’t experienced a flare in six months.
Breakthrough COVID-19 Infections in Rheumatic Disease Are Not Common, But May Be Serious
Researchers looked at the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated people with rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They found that, though cases were limited, the outcomes were more severe among this group than in the general population.
There are actionable steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved one safe, especially if you may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
Immunocompromised and Worried about Back-to-School and COVID-19? Here’s How to Stay Safe Now
There are several factors to be aware of that will affect your risk if you’re around school-aged kids.
Portable Air Purifiers Could Reduce Exposure to COVID-19 Aerosols. Here’s How to Find a Good One.
New research shows that air purifiers, which filtrate the air in indoor spaces, may add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.
Experts believe the research into this topic will lead to a better understanding of autoimmunity.
Keeping Your Arthritis Disease Activity Low Might Reduce Your Chances of Dying from COVID-19, Study Shows
The key takeaway of this study is really that rheumatic patients with lower disease activity seem to fare better than those in high disease activity if they contract COVID-19.
‘Long-Hauler’ Symptoms Are Common After COVID-19 — and May Resemble Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Researchers are finding more evidence that many recovering coronavirus patients go on to experience symptoms that last for months and may need additional long-term treatments.
Tocilizumab (Actemra), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, is in short supply due to its emergency use authorization (EUA) as a COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you have trouble getting treatment.
New Research Shows That Rituximab and JAK inhibitors Are Linked with Worse COVID-19 Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
On the other hand, study authors did not find an association between using other biologics — such as TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and abatacept — and worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Some Patients on Methotrexate May Have a Less Robust Response to the COVID-19 Vaccine
Experts say the news shouldn’t stop you from getting vaccinated, but you should continue to follow precautions like wearing a mask.
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.
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.
Clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides tips to help you move on from the “meh” you’ve been feeling lately during the pandemic and find the joy in life again.
Think About Returning to ‘Normal’ as an Opportunity to Reprioritize Your Happiness
As people rush to return to “normal” Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, shares her advice for rethinking your priorities in a post-pandemic world.
Recovered COVID-19 Patients May Be at Greater Risk for Psychiatric and Neurological Illnesses, Study Finds
In a new study that analyzed the records of more than 230,000 COVID-19 patients, researchers found that one in three COVID-19 patients experienced a psychiatric or neurological illness, including anxiety, insomnia, and stroke.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, more than half of respondents said they have already received their third COVID-19 vaccine dose within weeks of it being approved.
What It’s Like Getting the Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose: Immunocompromised Patients Report Back
Many members of the CreakyJoints and Global Healthy Living Foundation community immediately sought to receive a third vaccine dose after they became available in the U.S. to people who are immunocompromised. Here’s a round-up of what it’s been like so far.
Immunocompromised People Are ‘Sad, Scared, and, Lately, a Little Bit Angry’ About the Rise of the Delta Variant of COVID-19
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 72 percent of immunocompromised patients said they are moderately to very worried about the Delta variant of COVID-19 — and it’s affecting their everyday behaviors and habits.
There are actionable steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved one safe, especially if you may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose vs. Booster: Will Immunocompromised People Need Both?
Trying to navigate the latest guidance for additional COVID-19 vaccine doses and COVID-19 booster shots when you are immunocompromised isn’t easy. Here is what we know so far.
Actemra Shortage: What to Do If You Have Issues Accessing This Biologic Because of COVID-19
Tocilizumab (Actemra), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, is in short supply due to its emergency use authorization (EUA) as a COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you have trouble getting treatment.
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.
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.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in High Disease Activity Don’t Change Their Treatment Regimen Very Often
Only about one-third of RA patients in high disease activity were offered a treatment change at their rheumatologist visit, according to a recent study in the ArthritisPower research registry.
A new study suggests that NSAIDs, a common osteoarthritis pain treatment, could be making symptoms worse. But more research is needed.
Xeljanz Study Raises Some Concerns About Heart and Cancer Risks: What Patients Need to Know
The medication, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, already had a boxed warning for blood clots, infection, and certain cancers. Now more research is needed to understand potential additional risks.
FDA Approves Voclosporin (Lupkynis), First Oral Treatment for Lupus-Related Kidney Disease
The medication helped improve kidney function in people with lupus nephritis significantly compared with those taking a placebo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
