Experts are striving to simplify the COVID-19 vaccination approach, aimed at ensuring all future COVID-19 vaccines are interchangeable and potentially offering the convenience of an annual shot.
By Kelsey Kloss
Vaccine Hesitancy Top of Mind for Researchers at the American College of Rheumatology
Two new studies provide important insights and key topics for research on vaccination in people who are receiving (or choose not to receive) vaccinations.
By Kelsey Kloss
Three Doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Found to Prevent Hospitalization in People Taking Immunosuppressive Drugs
Despite previous research showing lower antibody levels after vaccination in immunosuppressive individuals, the COVID-19 vaccines still appear to be highly effective at keeping this community of patients out of the hospital.
Here’s what you need to know when the at-home combination test becomes available, including tips for getting accurate results.
By Kelsey Kloss
5 Reasons Why Your Doctor May Not Prescribe Paxlovid If You’re High-Risk — and When to Get a Second Opinion
In the vast majority of cases, Paxlovid is safe and effective to use (and increasingly important for the immunocompromised).
By Kelsey Kloss
The COVID-19 Emergency Orders Are Ending This May — Here’s What That Means And How Our Community Feels
You may notice changes such as higher costs of testing and treatments, while some policies will remain the same.
Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss triggered by physical or emotional stress, including COVID-19. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for TE, and how to manage hair loss while waiting for regrowth.
By Kelsey Kloss
COVID-19 Linked to Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal Disorders, Study Suggests
The increased risk applies to irritable bowel syndrome, acute pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, and several other conditions, per a new study.
By Kelsey Kloss
The Risk Factors for Long COVID Are Still Ambiguous — But Here’s What You Should Know if You’re Immunocompromised
Remember, the best prevention method is to avoid getting sick (or reinfected) in the first place.
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.
Saying no isn’t always easy, but with practice, it can become a habit.
By How COVID Changed My Life as Someone Who Is Immunocompromised
“It’s safe to say that life has thrown a lot of shit at all of us these last three years — and it has had a profound impact on my physical and emotional health and habits.”
By Kelsey Kloss
How Your Mental Health Can Affect Your Risk of Long COVID — and How to Maintain a Healthy Baseline
New research shows that your susceptibility to long COVID may be at least partly based on how healthy your mind is.
COVID-19 Patient Support Program finds that after patients took action, care and patient confidence improved.
By Angie Ebba
Yet Another Symptom: Dealing with Long-Haul Covid as a Person with Chronic Illness
"If I’ve learned anything about the chronic illness community (and myself) since my initial onset of symptoms and diagnosis years ago, it’s this: We are strong, we are creative, and we are resilient."
By Kelsey Kloss
What to Do If You’re Immunocompromised and Were Around Crowds for the Holidays
Don’t panic and don’t be hard on yourself — but do follow these four steps to protect yourself.
New research finds that only half of older adults with rheumatic disease get regular moderate activity, which is associated with better physical function, mental health, and quality of life.
By Kelsey Kloss
Hair Loss After COVID-19: What You Need to Know and How to Cope
Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss triggered by physical or emotional stress, including COVID-19. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for TE, and how to manage hair loss while waiting for regrowth.
By JP Summers
The Symptom Symposium: Insights from Our Patient Community
Our patient community shares their stories on how symptoms are affecting their lives.
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.
New research finds that only half of older adults with rheumatic disease get regular moderate activity, which is associated with better physical function, mental health, and quality of life.
By Kelsey Kloss
Hair Loss After COVID-19: What You Need to Know and How to Cope
Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss triggered by physical or emotional stress, including COVID-19. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for TE, and how to manage hair loss while waiting for regrowth.
By How Practicing Gratitude Helped Me Cope with Chronic Illness
“You don't need to be a Buddhist or a Zen master to practice gratitude regularly; just start. I promise you won't regret it.”
“It’s not going perfectly, but if I deviate from my health plan, I know tomorrow is a new day and I’ll feel better when I get back on track.”
By Exercise Is Different for Every Body
Exercising with chronic illness isn't easy. Five people with inflammatory arthritis share how they've made exercise work for them.
By Trying to Add More Movement into Your Routine This New Year?
These physical therapist-approved stretches can help you kickstart the habit of adding simple movement into your life.
These programs often aren’t straightforward but can multiply the cost of your drugs — particularly for patients with autoimmune diseases.
By More Biosimilars Are Coming, But Don’t Expect Instant Savings
A new report examines market trends and explains why most patients won't reap the financial benefits of biosimilars in the near future.
Telehealth for Chronic Illness: The Pros, Cons, and Why It Needs to Stay an Option No Matter What
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.
