Has COVID-19 Affected Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

The outbreak of Coronavirus has led to the uncertainty that lingers around the treatment of autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is mostly because the drugs used to treat the disease alter the patient’s susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.

All this has made medical institutes rethink on their priorities while treating Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Firstly, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) causes dysregulation in the immune system which can cause impairments in COVID-19 Care also.

Here in this blog, we will discuss the safety precautions for RA patients during this pandemic scenario.

What All COVID-19 Care Precautions Can Be Taken for the RA Patients?

According to the Global Rheumatology Alliance Global Registry, in August 2020, around Covid-19 has 694 RA patients. Another study also revealed that Rheumatic patients are more at risk of developing severe symptoms of Coronavirus.

So, what to do next? The common challenge that lies ahead for RA patients is to manage and maintain healthy practices during the pandemic. It means that apart from getting treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is equally important to focus on health goals which are:

• Follow all the guidelines like social distancing and personal hygiene etc.
• Stay on top of your RA to avoid any complications.

Always remember that before proceeding with any treatment, it is important to make sure RA is under control. If your arthritis is flaring, it is less likely that the immune system will fight off the infection.

Will COVID-19 Worsen the RA Symptoms?

Technically, yes! There is a high chance that COVID-19 affects arthritis patients severely. If by chance you get into contact with coronavirus, it will cause complications which might result in taking more medication. Apart from that, coping with both the infection and RA symptoms is emotionally draining.

Thus, to fight off any possibility of infection, it is important to have enough medicines with you:

• Ask for a refill if you are due.
• Keep handy medications for 90 days instead of 30 days.
• Contact and keep other pharmacies in the loop, in case your usual location runs out of stock.

Also, instead of showing up at the hospital, it is preferable to schedule a teleconsultation. You can also keep RA drugs like Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Tocilizumab with you at home, after consulting with a physician.

Although vaccines will soon become available, there is now no direct treatment for COVID-19. Thus, to keep yourself safe follow all the general precautions such as masks, using an alcohol-based sanitizer, and personal hygiene. In this way, you can easily prevent COVID-19 and the risks associated with it.

For more information, call us at + 913366064208 or request a callback. We are also available by e-mail at enquiry@tribecacare.com.