Fatima Khan Fatima Khan Asked 9 months ago

Does rheumatoid arthritis make you get sick easier?

I've been on RA medication for many years, and lately, it feels like I catch every cold and flu going around. My immunity seems very low. Is it common for rheumatoid arthritis, or perhaps the medicines for it, to make a person more susceptible to infections?

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10 answers

Leela Deshpande Leela Deshpande Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago
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I have lived with RA for over twenty-five years now. In the beginning, I used to catch every cold going around, but once I learned to balance my rest, diet, and medicines, my immunity stabilized. You will also learn to manage it with time, don't worry.

Rakesh Varma Rakesh Varma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Since the medicines suppress your immune system, catching viral infections is quite common. I simply avoid crowded places during flu season, wash my hands often, and drink home-made tulsi kadha. Simple habits save a lot of trouble.

Tanya Johar Tanya Johar Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Oh god, I worry about this constantly! Every time someone coughs near me, I get so anxious that I will catch a severe infection because of my RA meds. Please make sure you talk to your doctor about taking safe vaccines to protect yourself.

Rohit Nair Rohit Nair Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

I have been getting frequent throat infections ever since I started my new RA therapy. I am starting to feel really anxious about my immune health. Is anyone else here falling sick more often after starting their treatment?

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I used to panic and run to the clinic for every small sneeze, thinking my immune system was failing. But my doctor explained it is just the immunosuppressants doing their job. Now I just take basic precautions and live a perfectly normal life.

Shalini Misra Shalini Misra Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Because RA medications modify your immune response, any simple infection can escalate quickly. For your own safety, if you develop even a mild fever or persistent cough, please get it checked by your doctor immediately instead of self-medicating.

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Siddharth Sen Siddharth Sen Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Yes, because of the immunosuppressive drugs, your body is more vulnerable. I focus heavily on gut health, eating plenty of fiber, and maintaining a regular workout routine to keep my overall defense system as strong as possible.

Amit Shah Amit Shah Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

It is true that you might catch infections more easily, which can add to your medical bills. I highly recommend getting the annual flu shot after consulting your doctor; it is a small expense that saves you from costly hospital visits later.

Ananya Joshi Ananya Joshi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Yes, my doctor warned me about this when I started my meds. I just make sure to eat fresh home-cooked meals, carry a sanitizer everywhere, and wear a mask in public transport. It really helps keep the bugs away!

Sarla Devi Sarla Devi Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Beta, when the body's strength is low due to arthritis, infections can catch you quickly. Drink warm milk with a pinch of turmeric and honey, eat fresh seasonal fruits, and always follow whatever treatment your specialist doctor has prescribed.

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