Question 1

hello, i was wondering if there is a specific flu shot or pneumonia shot i can get because of my immune system issues

rheumatoid arthritis / immunization ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are immunizations available which will be specifically recommended by your physician.

Question 2

i was just discharged from hospital and now i have the flu. i received treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. i had 3 day cortisone treatment. is there any medication i can take for it?

Accepted Answer

Tamiflu: Tamiflu may help to shorten the course. Your immune system will develop antibodies to the viral strain and eliminate the virus. 
I would recommend a yearly flu vaccine unless otherwise contraindicated.

Question 3

can you have weakness in the arms and legs, like having the flu without actually having the flu with rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Mypoathies (muscle inflammation) and neuropathies (nerve damage) can occur in RA and cause generalized weakness.

Question 4

early rheumatoid arthritis. dr. has me taking 2 aleve (naproxen) twice a day no other drugs yet. is it safe to get flu shot without making joints ache more!

Accepted Answer

Flu shot safe: The flu shot is safe and MUCH safer than not being protected against the flu. Hope you are seeing a Rheumatologist because if you really have Rheumatoid Arthritis, even if early you need more than Aleve (naproxen) twice a day. If you are not seeing a Rheumtologist, please see one.

Question 5

february 2006 i thought what was the flu but since that time i have chronic pain and fatigue. one dr says rheumatoid arthritis and fibro myalgia. my prostate right lung left kidney are calcifying and?

Accepted Answer

Fibromyalgia: might be difficult to diagnose , rheumatoid arthritis can be determined but will take more than what you've described

Question 6

what are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Pain/ stiffness: Stiffness of the hands and feet is most common. There is varying degrees of pain and swelling of the small joints of the hands and wrists. Deformities of the hands are common after some years as this disease destroys the joint cartilages due to ongoing inflammation.

Question 7

why does my sister's rheumatoid arthritis always act up when it's cold or winter?

Accepted Answer

Joint capsule: Though it hasn't been proven, it is believed that atmospheric changes can cause the joint capsule (covering around the joint) to swell and thus feel painful. Tufts University researchers studied this in 2007 and research was also done many years ago in The Netherlands. The pain is associated with falling barometric pressure and falling temperatures.

Question 8

could having a bad cold cause a flare up in things like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

URTI and flares: A possibility but not definitive or highly probable. Flares can be triggered by many and any things. Drink plenty of fluids/electrolytes  and rest a lot  which helps mitigate flares. Good luck

Question 9

how common is rheumatoid arthritis? is it hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is not common but not rare either.  It has a hereditary component and having a family history increases your risk of developing the disease.

Question 10

is elbow replacement common due to rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

No: Although elbow replacements are done this is much less frequent.

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Doctor answers about:

Rheumatoid arthritis with common cold or flu

A member asked:

Hello, i was wondering if there is a specific flu shot or pneumonia shot i can get because of my immune system issues rheumatoid arthritis / immunization ?

A member asked:

I was just discharged from hospital and now i have the flu. i received treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. i had 3 day cortisone treatment. is there any medication i can take for it?

A member asked:

Can you have weakness in the arms and legs, like having the flu without actually having the flu with rheumatoid arthritis?

A member asked:

Early rheumatoid arthritis. dr. has me taking 2 aleve (naproxen) twice a day no other drugs yet. is it safe to get flu shot without making joints ache more!

A member asked:

February 2006 i thought what was the flu but since that time i have chronic pain and fatigue. one dr says rheumatoid arthritis and fibro myalgia. my prostate right lung left kidney are calcifying and?

A member asked:

What are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

A member asked:

Why does my sister's rheumatoid arthritis always act up when it's cold or winter?

A member asked:

Could having a bad cold cause a flare up in things like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis?

A member asked:

How common is rheumatoid arthritis? is it hereditary?

A member asked:

Is elbow replacement common due to rheumatoid arthritis?

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