A to Z of Arthritis: I is for Infection

30 September 2010 (updated: 12 January 2011)
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'A to Z of Arthritis: I is for Infection' image

When your immune system is suppressed by arthritis or medications you take for it, germs that a healthy body easily fights off can lead to serious or life thrreatening infections. To protect yourself, it's important to get your yearly flu and pneumonia vaccines, but talk to your doctor in more detail about the live vaccines that can potentially trigger the diseases that they are designed to prevent.

When taking disease modifying drugs that suppress the immune system, be vigilant for signs of infection - fever, chills, dry cough, nausea and vomitting and a burning sensation when you go to the loo - and call your doctor right away if you experience them.