Psoriatic arthritisis a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis occurs alongside a skin condition called psoriasis which causes itchy red patches of skin.
Roughly one-third of people withpsoriasisdevelop psoriatic arthritis.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
People with psoriatic arthritis are at increased risk during flu season.
The flu can also cause flares of psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Learn more about psoriatic arthritis and the flu.
Biologicsare a bang out of drug that is sometimes prescribed to treat psoriatic arthritis.
Using biologics weakens the bodys immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off germs.
During flu season, people taking biologics are at an increased risk of being infected with the influenza virus.
Getting sick with the flu or another illness can also trigger a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Frequent, proper handwashing can remove germs and help keep them from spreading.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adviseswashing your handswith soap and water.
People with psoriatic arthritis should follow the CDC guidelines and get a flu shot by early October every year.
The flu vaccinewill not give you the flu.
A doctor can prescribe antiviral medications to treat flu illness.
Summary
People living with psoriatic arthritis are at increased risk of getting influenza.
They are also at risk for complications related to the flu, including pneumonia.
There are steps that you might take to protect yourself, such as getting a flu shot.
If you do have flu-like symptoms, its important to tell your doctor right away.
If you do have the flu, you might need to stop taking your medications until you get better.
Your doctor might be able to prescribe antivirals to help you get better sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Protect yourself from a nasty flu season.
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National Psoriasis Foundation.Flu shot lags among people with psoriasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy habits to prevent flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treating flu with antiviral drugs.
