cold flu prevention ra psa

You Said It: Avoiding the Flu with RA or PsA

If you have an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or lupus, or you take immunosuppressing drugs, you have to be extra-careful to avoid contagious diseases. We asked our readers and followers “What steps do you take to avoid getting sick during flu and cold season?” Here are their answers.

I keep sanitizing hand wipes in my purse for cleaning grocery carts and shopping basket handles. We all use hand sanitizer as soon as we get in the car and wash our hands immediately when we get home. I also exercise regularly to keep my immune system as boosted as possible.

— Rebecca Lang, Athens, Georgia

Don’t touch your face! Just don’t do it. Keep your fingers away from eyes, nose and any mucous  membrane. Don’t. Touch. Your. Face.

— Lisa, Deer Park, New York

Always get a flu shot early in the year. It’s usually free and easy to get at a local pharmacy, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

— Branden via Reddit

I let family and friends know I am immune compromised and ask them to just let me know if they had a cold or the flu. I can then decide about interactions.

— Ann Vine, Seattle, Washington

I’ve found that food and movement are the best medicine. Tons of fruits and veggies, and I bought a Blu light for vitamin D.

— Austin Gunter, San Francisco, California

When you listen to your body and follow your instructions to keep you healthy along with doctor visits, you’ll feel a lot better! Always listen to your body!

— Marsha Woody, Killeen, TX

I’ll try to avoid crowded places, wash my hands often and if possible use hand sanitizer. No sharing of food and drinks with loved ones and friends, drink lots of water or take ginger, lemon tea and of course not forgetting my vitamin C and fish oil.

— Ivy Chin, via Facebook

Clorox or Lysol wipes on door handles and drawer pulls that get the most use. Probiotic gummies for all of us. No drinking or eating after each other and promoting family kisses on the forehead/cheek rather than the lips.

— Katherine Revel, Atlanta, Georgia

Besides doing all the basic preventative measures, I take extra vitamins, eat an anti-inflammatory diet and go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. The gym helps me keep my strength and stamina.

— Nancy Dennis, Durand, Michigan

Visit the Arthritis Foundation online support community or find in-person support at Arthritis Introspective.

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One thought on “You Said It: Avoiding the Flu with RA or PsA

  1. I stay away from crowded places and also my grandchildren. Unfortunately they are germ carriers during the winter so I try to avoid being around them. I miss them terribly but having a cold for 8 weeks is not fun.

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