What if I get COVID-19 with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Ask the Experts

I have rheumatoid arthritis and would like to know what risks are involved if I were to get sick with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Am I more likely to get COVID-19 if I have rheumatoid arthritis? What can I expect? 

Doctor’s Response

There’s still a lot we don’t know about COVID-19, but generally speaking, people with higher disease activity of autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis tend to be at a higher risk of infections because of immune dysregulation. 

The main concern for complications in people with autoimmune disease who become sick with the seasonal flu or COVID-19 is for secondary bacterial infections to occur after the viral infection.

It is not currently known whether taking immunosuppressant drugs increases your risk of catching COVID-19. But in general, drugs that treat autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis such as biologics and corticosteroids may contribute to a higher risk of severe viral infection.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, you need to contact your doctor or rheumatologist right away for medical advice and let them know if you are taking any immune-suppressing drugs.

Do not stop or change the dosage of your arthritis medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Ask your doctor for the COVID-19 vaccine.

People who are at risk for COVID-19

Additionally, if you have other chronic health conditions, you could be at a higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19.

Those who are at most risk due to complications of COVID-19 include:

• People over the age of 65
• People who live in an assisted living facility 
• People with chronic lung disease (COPD or asthma)
• People who are severely obese
• People who are immunocompromised (for example, undergoing cancer treatment)
• People with HIV
• People with uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, renal failure, liver disease
• Smokers

Telltale coronavirus COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 tend to appear within 2 to 14 days of exposure and include the following:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Emergency signs of COVID-19

Call your doctor if you have the above symptoms for further medical assistance.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

How to protect yourself from coronavirus COVID-19

• Stay home
• Avoided crowded places
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick (give yourself 6 feet of space)
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces in your home
• Avoid traveling by plane or cruise

We currently have vaccines for coronavirus COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerning symptoms.