People who are immunocompromised may be interested in COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as they may be less protected against the coronavirus than a fully vaccinated person with a healthy immune system. Learn more about what we know — and still don’t — about vaccine booster doses.
By Kelsey Kloss
Disease Flares from the COVID-19 Vaccine are ‘Rare and Mild’ Among Rheumatic Disease Patients
The news is reassuring for arthritis and rheumatic disease patients who have been concerned about the potential risk of post-vaccine disease flares.
By Biologics Don’t Interfere with COVID-19 Vaccine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Study Finds
A new, small study found that patients taking biologic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a positive antibody response after receiving both doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks in many situations, immunocompromised people may feel safer continuing to wear them. If someone tries to give you a hard time for that decision, here’s how to de-escalate the situation and continue to protect yourself.
By Kelsey Kloss
What to Know About Grocery Shopping in Person If You’re Fully Vaccinated but Immunocompromised
Supermarkets may soon loosen rules about mask wearing and other COVID-19 precautions. But is shopping in person safe for immunocompromised people, even if they’re vaccinated? Here’s how to decide what’s right for you and expert advice on staying safe.
Research Shows Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients May Have a Higher Risk for COVID Infections and Hospitalizations
One of the largest studies to assess COVID-19 infection risks among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found that they were 25 percent more likely than non-RA patients to develop COVID.
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.
By Kelsey Kloss
‘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.
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.
By Kelsey Kloss
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.
By Susan Jara
When to Have a Telehealth vs. In-Person Doctor Visit with Arthritis or a Rheumatic Condition
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way rheumatology patients communicate with their doctors and manage their health. But it’s important to know when to use a telehealth visit vs. when you need to see the doctor in person.
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 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.
By 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, nearly all immunocompromised patients said they would continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces as well as indoor events. They are, however, more willing to go without masks indoors if socializing with people they know and trust.
By People with Chronic Illness May Feel More Comfortable Doing Activities this Summer Compared to Last, But Will Still Proceed with Caution
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 50 percent of respondents said they feel more comfortable doing activities in public this summer compared to last summer when there was no COVID-19 vaccine. That said, they will still be taking precautions like wearing a mask and keeping group gatherings small.
Caregivers Can Provide a ‘Second Set of Ears’ for Chronic Illness Patients During Medical Appointments, but This Changed During COVID-19
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the vast majority of respondents said they have not had caregivers attend in-person or virtual medical appointments during the pandemic.
“It’s not a compliment,” CreakyJoints user Rachel M. said of being told she doesn’t look sick. “It’s heard as an undermining of the fact that I feel like poop. The reality is that I’m in pain and exhausted every single day.”
In our Arthritis Awareness Month campaign that sought to raise awareness of the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, one theme emerged over and over. Telling people with arthritis and other chronic illness that they don’t look sick invalidates and undermines how they feel.
By Moving with Rheumatoid Arthritis Is a Challenge. Here’s How I Made It Easier.
“Moving with rheumatoid arthritis was as challenging as I expected it to be, but it was also rewarding in ways I didn’t expect,” says rheumatoid arthritis patient Eileen Davidson.
By Kelsey Kloss
Immunocompromised? What to Do If You Get Pushback for Wearing a Mask in Public
Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks in many situations, immunocompromised people may feel safer continuing to wear them. If someone tries to give you a hard time for that decision, here’s how to de-escalate the situation and continue to protect yourself.
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.
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.
