Coronavirus Prevention For People With Arthritis: Expert Tips

People with arthritis face heightened risks from COVID-19 due to age, chronic conditions, and immunosuppressive treatments, but proactive steps can significantly reduce infection chances and ensure preparedness.

Why People with Arthritis Are at Higher Risk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies high-risk groups for severe COVID-19 as those over 60 or with chronic conditions like lung, heart disease, or diabetes. Many arthritis patients, especially with osteoarthritis, fall into the over-60 category, while autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus often involve immunosuppressants that dysregulate the immune system.

Studies indicate that inflammatory arthritis alone may not drastically elevate complication risks, but factors like high disease activity, obesity, or diabetes do increase vulnerability. Reinfection risks persist even post-vaccination or prior infection, potentially worsening long COVID odds, emphasizing ongoing prevention.

Health experts urge ‘flattening the curve’ by slowing transmission, particularly vital for immunocompromised individuals on drugs like methotrexate or biologics.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Infection

Follow CDC-recommended hygiene and distancing to minimize exposure, tailored for arthritis patients.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after public outings, nose-blowing, coughing, or sneezing. Any soap works; focus on proper technique: lather backs of hands, between fingers, under nails, and wrists.
• Use hand sanitizer with ≥60% alcohol if soap unavailable; rub all hand surfaces until dry.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth – entry points for the virus via mucous membranes.
• Maintain distance from others, especially the sick; asymptomatic spread is possible.
• Skip large gatherings, air travel, cruises if high-risk.

For inflammatory arthritis, CDC masking guidance evolves, but experts like Dr. William Hayes Wilson recommend personalized assessment, especially on immunosuppressants. Mask indoors in crowds during high case periods, stay vaccinated/boosted, and test promptly at symptom onset.

Prepare Your Household for an Outbreak

Stock essentials as for any emergency (snowstorm, hurricane), with arthritis-specific additions for 30-day self-sufficiency.

Insurance often allows early refills; pharmacies deliver. For osteoarthritis, continue prescribed NSAIDs – no evidence they worsen COVID-19 risk, per WHO and American College of Rheumatology.

Contingency Plans for Children and Family

Schools may close; prepare indoor activities and childcare backups. Avoid grandparents as caregivers due to their high-risk status for severe COVID-19.

Doctor visits remain safe with enhanced protocols: mandatory masks, sanitizers, spaced appointments, temperature checks, social distancing.

Staying Informed and Avoiding Misinformation

• Reliable sources: CDC (cdc.gov), WHO (who.int), local health departments.
• Avoid misinformation: Verify before sharing to prevent panic.
• Community support: Social distance but check on vulnerable neighbors/relatives safely.

Arthritis Medications and COVID-19 Myths

Myth: Stop arthritis meds to reduce risk. No; immunosuppressants’ infection risk unclear, but uncontrolled flares harm more. NSAIDs safe per WHO/ACR. Consult doctor before changes; notify if exposed/symptomatic.

Myth: Supplements prevent infection. None do; support immunity via exercise, sleep, anti-inflammatory diet. Vitamins may aid recovery, not prevention.

Managing Osteoarthritis During Outbreaks

OA pain meds don’t heighten COVID-19 risk. Maintain routines: exercise, healthy weight, anti-inflammatory eating. Virtual rheumatologist consults minimize in-person risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can arthritis patients on immunosuppressants get vaccinated?

Yes; boosters recommended. Discuss with doctor; keep arthritis controlled for better outcomes.

Does inflammatory arthritis increase COVID complications?

Not directly per studies, but comorbidities/disease activity do. Manage with sleep, exercise, diet.

Should I continue NSAIDs for OA?

Yes; no evidence of increased COVID risk. Follow provider guidance.

What if I get reinfected?

Avoid via vaccines/masks; reinfection risks long COVID, especially immunocompromised.

Are doctor visits safe?

Yes, with protocols like masks, sanitizing, distancing.

This guidance evolves; check CDC/WHO for updates. Arthritis Foundation offers email alerts.

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Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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