Being ‘immunocompromised’ refers to having a weakened immune system, which can occur due to various health conditions, treatments, or medications. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) can cause an overactive immune response, leading to immunocompromise. In such conditions, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and other symptoms.
People with rheumatoid arthritis are often considered at higher risk for infections and complications, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19. This risk arises not only from the disease itself but also from the immunosuppressive medications used in treatment. As noted by Stuart Seropian, MD, a hematologist at Smilow Cancer Hospital, the more immunocompromised an individual is, the less effective vaccines may be for them.
For those living with RA, it’s crucial to understand how their condition and its treatment can impact their immune system’s functioning. RA typically affects smaller joints initially and can lead to symptoms like joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, it can affect larger joints and other parts of the body. Currently, there is no cure for RA, but treatments are available that can relieve symptoms and prevent joint damage. These treatments often include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Vaccination plays a significant role in protecting individuals with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) like RA from serious infections. However, the efficacy of vaccines can be influenced by the level of immune compromise.
Patients with RA may need to adopt specific safety measures during times of heightened infection risk, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures can include avoiding physical contact, like handshakes or hugs, to reduce the risk of infection, a particularly important consideration for those who are immunocompromised or experiencing chronic pain.
For more information about how being immunocompromised affects those with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to these resources: Yale Medicine, CreakyJoints, UpToDate, Medical News Today, and Mayo Clinic.
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