Lower Your Infection Risk When You Have Arthritis

People with inflammatory forms of arthritis face an increased risk of infections that can range from mild to life-threatening. This elevated risk stems from multiple factors, including alterations to the immune system caused by the disease itself, medications used in treatment, and various health and lifestyle factors. However, the good news is that regardless of your specific form of arthritis or the medications you take, there are concrete steps you can implement to significantly reduce your infection risk. By combining common-sense health practices with targeted prevention strategies, you can protect yourself and maintain better overall health.

Understanding Your Infection Risk

The disease itself can impair the body’s ability to fight infection through alterations of the immune system that occur in rheumatic diseases. However, these disease-related alterations probably account for only a small portion of your overall infection risk. This means that much of your risk can be controlled through your own actions and prevention measures. By understanding the factors contributing to your increased susceptibility, you can take more informed steps to protect yourself.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

One of the most important things you can do to avoid infections is also one of the easiest. Hand washing is a fundamental defense against the spread of germs and illness. You should wash your hands after using the bathroom, before you eat, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Proper hand washing technique is critical. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds, making sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer. This simple routine, performed consistently throughout the day, creates a significant barrier against infection-causing pathogens.

Use Hand Sanitizer

While handwashing is your best defense against the spread of germs, there are times when soap and water aren’t available. In these situations, hand sanitizer can help protect you. Keep a small bottle with you, especially during flu and cold season.

When selecting a hand sanitizer, always choose an alcohol-based product with at least 60% alcohol content. Apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub it over all surfaces of your hands until they are dry. This process should take approximately 20 seconds, similar to proper handwashing. Hand sanitizer is particularly useful when traveling, shopping, or in other situations where immediate access to soap and water is limited.

Steer Clear of Sick People

Many people with arthritis, especially those with inflammatory types, live with a compromised immune system that puts them at increased risk of catching infections. To protect yourself, do your best to avoid close contact with people who are sick. This might mean declining social invitations when others are ill or maintaining distance from family members who have caught a cold or flu.

If you do come into contact with someone who is sick, try to keep a safe distance, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly. When you know you’ll be exposed to others who may be ill, wearing a surgical mask can provide an additional layer of protection. Don’t hesitate to ask visitors or family members to reschedule their visits if they’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Stay Home When You Are Sick

Common sense dictates that if you’re feeling sick, you should stay home. This protects not only your own health but also the health of others around you. When you’re sick, your body is already working hard to fight infection, and additional exposure to other pathogens could complicate your recovery. By staying home, you give yourself the best chance to recover and prevent spreading illness to vulnerable individuals, including other people with arthritis.

Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face

This advice is effective but deceptively challenging to follow. Most people touch their face dozens of times per day—sometimes without even realizing it. However, preventing the spread of infection requires making a conscious effort to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth until you’ve washed your hands. This is especially important when you’re in public places where you’ve potentially been exposed to pathogens on surfaces.

The virus and bacteria that cause infections enter the body through the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth. By breaking the habit of touching your face, you eliminate a primary pathway for infection. If you find yourself reaching toward your face, pause and wash your hands first, then attend to your face if needed.

Take an Extra Step in Hotel Rooms

When traveling, hotel rooms can harbor germs from previous guests and housekeeping staff. To protect yourself, read reviews of hotels before booking. User recommendations on travel sites can provide valuable information about the cleanliness standards of different properties.

Additionally, bring travel-size cans of disinfecting spray and wipes with you and clean all surfaces you may come into contact with, including remotes, counters, safes, and light switches. Wash glasses and mugs with soap and hot water before using them. These extra precautions take only a few minutes but can significantly reduce your exposure to pathogens while traveling.

Protect Your Immune System

One of the best ways to protect yourself against the spread of infection is to boost and maintain your immune system. You can take care of your body and overall health by following a regular exercise routine that keeps your body moving and active. Exercise supports immune function and contributes to better overall health outcomes.

Equally important is eating a healthful diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential nutrients that support immune function. Additionally, practice good sleep habits and stay hydrated throughout the day. Sleep is when your body performs critical immune system maintenance, and proper hydration supports all bodily functions, including immune response. Consider herbal supplements containing turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon, which may provide an additional immune system boost.

Be Extra Careful in Public Places

Although isolation might seem like the only way to guard your immune system, it’s not a practical or sustainable solution. At some point, you’ll need to leave your home, but you can take specific measures to protect yourself in public settings.

Clean shopping cart handles with sanitizing wipes before using them. In public bathrooms, use paper towels when touching faucets, and use your elbows to open doors when possible. These small adjustments reduce your contact with high-touch surfaces that may harbor pathogens. When possible, choose less-crowded times to visit public spaces, and maintain awareness of your surroundings to identify and avoid obviously ill individuals.

Travel Smart, Travel Safe

When you do travel, certain precautions can minimize your risk of picking up germs. Don’t leave home without disinfecting wipes—they’re essential for protecting yourself during travel. Use these wipes to clean handles, armrests, tray tables, and any other surfaces you may come into contact with during your journey.

When possible, avoid crowded subway cars and other confined spaces with poor ventilation. Be sure to wash your hands frequently throughout your journey, and change out of your travel clothes once you reach your destination. Travel creates additional exposure risks due to shared spaces and proximity to many people, so extra vigilance is warranted.

Get Vaccinated

An annual flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine are essential for people with arthritis. You should also get the shingles vaccine when you’re eligible. Since the shingles vaccine contains a live virus, you must receive this shot before starting a biologic medication. Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for your specific situation and ensure you stay current with all recommended immunizations.

Review Your Medications

Work closely with your doctor to ensure you are getting the safest medications and the lowest doses of medications that effectively control your disease. Some arthritis medications can increase infection risk, so it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you balance disease control with infection risk management. Regular medication reviews ensure you’re not taking more than necessary and that you’re using the most current treatment options available.

Key Infection Prevention Strategies: Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do people with arthritis have a higher infection risk?

A: People with inflammatory arthritis have increased infection risk due to disease-related immune system alterations, certain medications that suppress immune function, and various lifestyle factors. However, disease itself accounts for only a small portion of the risk, meaning much of it can be controlled through prevention strategies.

Q: How often should I wash my hands?

A: You should wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Additionally, wash your hands whenever you’ve been in a public place or touched potentially contaminated surfaces.

Q: Is hand sanitizer as effective as handwashing?

A: While handwashing with soap and water is your best defense against germs, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available. For maximum effectiveness, both should be used properly and regularly.

Q: Which vaccines are most important for people with arthritis?

A: An annual flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine are must-haves for people with arthritis. The shingles vaccine is also recommended when you’re eligible, but it must be received before starting biologic medications since it contains a live virus.

Q: What should I do if I’m exposed to someone who is sick?

A: Try to maintain a safe distance from the sick person, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly. If possible, wear a surgical mask during the interaction. Monitor yourself for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection.

Q: Can I exercise safely with arthritis when infection risk is high?

A: Yes, exercise is important for immune system health, but choose safe venues. Exercising at home or outdoors is best to minimize exposure risk. If you return to the gym, use bleach wipes to sanitize shared equipment and allow time for disinfectant to work before use.

Q: What dietary changes can help boost my immune system?

A: Eat a healthful diet rich in whole foods including vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. These provide essential nutrients for immune function. You might also consider herbal supplements containing turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon, which may support immune health.

Q: How can I protect myself while traveling?

A: Bring disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer, clean high-touch surfaces in hotels and transportation, avoid crowded spaces when possible, and wash your hands frequently. Change out of travel clothes once you reach your destination to minimize ongoing exposure.

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medha deb

 

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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