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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
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  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
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    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Back

COVID-19 Myths for People With Arthritis

There are still many unknowns about the coronavirus for people arthritis, but these rumors can be put to rest. 

Debunking Common Coronavirus Myths
COVID-19 is commonly referred to as the “novel coronavirus” because it is new to humans. As such, there are many unanswered questions about the virus and, unfortunately, plenty of false information and rumors circulating about it. To better protect yourself, it’s important to be selective of where you get your news. The CDC, National Institutes of Health and the Arthritis Foundation are good places to start. In the meantime, learn the truth about these common coronavirus myths.
 
MYTH: Certain immunosuppressive medications have been proven to prevent or treat COVID-19.
There’s plenty of buzz about the malaria and popular lupus and RA drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) to treat and protect against COVID-19. But there’s not enough evidence to suggest that the drug helps prevent infection. There are no FDA-approved treatments for the virus, and the FDA warns against using hydroxychloroquine and another drug in the same family also used to treat malaria, chloroquine, outside of hospital and clinical trials, citing possible heart problems.
MYTH: Taking certain supplements will protect you from getting infected.
No vitamin, mineral or supplement can protect you from getting the virus. However, healthy habits may help support your immune system. These include getting plenty of moderate exercise (too much vigorous exercise can have negative health effects), adequate sleep and eating a healthy diet. While no pill or food can prevent COVID-19, certain vitamins, minerals and supplements may improve your ability to stay healthy or recover faster.
 
 
MYTH: Exposing yourself to high heat will kill the virus inside your body.
Exposing yourself to high heat – whether it is in the form of sunlight, hair or hand dryers, saunas, baths, showers or even drinking hot tea – will not kill the virus or prevent you from getting sick. Once you catch the virus, your body has to fight it off. Unless you find the heat relaxing, there’s no need to subject yourself to high temperatures. Your best bet: Practicing good hygiene, social distancing and disinfecting steps, and following healthy habits to support your immune system.
 
MYTH: You can use UV light to protect yourself from the coronavirus.
UV light will not protect you against infection – in fact, it may do more harm than good. Spare yourself the cancer risk and skip the tanning bed or prolonged sun exposure. While research is underway about using UV light to destroy the coronavirus on medical equipment and surfaces, experts say there’s no safe way to use UV light to kill the virus inside of or outside on humans. Plus, the type of UV ray thought to kill the virus, UVC, is very dangerous to humans.
MYTH: Certain home remedies and practices can kill the COVID-19 virus before it causes illness.
Search “home remedies for coronavirus” and you’ll find plenty of unproven advice – from gargling with vinegar and eating gloves of garlic, to drinking water every fifteen minutes to “flush out the virus.” Never ingest household disinfectants or apply them to your skin. Bottomline: No home remedy can prevent or cure the virus. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  
MYTH: You should stop taking certain arthritis medications to lessen your risk for coronavirus.
It’s unclear whether immunosuppressant drugs increase the risk of catching COVID-19, and there’s no evidence that NSAIDs do. Generally, the benefits of controlling disease activity with meds outweigh the risks. Do not stop or change medication dosage without consulting a doctor. Doing so could cause flares or other health problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you have the virus.
MYTH: Having an autoimmune disease means you’ll always have severe disease.
The CDC lists people who are immunocompromised or taking “immune weakening medications” as high risk for severe illness. But patients with milder, well-controlled disease may not be at much greater risk than others. These steps can help anyone, high risk or not, from developing severe illness: good hygiene, social distancing, following disinfecting protocol, getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, exercising regularly and contacting your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms.
MYTH: All people with autoimmune diseases qualify for coronavirus testing.
Unfortunately, testing is still limited and not everyone who wants a test can get one. Until testing is more widely available, generally only those who have the most common symptoms – a fever, cough and shortness of breath – qualify for testing. If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor or public health department immediately to find out the next steps. You may qualify for testing based on your risk status or symptoms. Click here for an updated list of symptoms in the Symptoms and Exposure FAQs.

 
MYTH: Purchasing an antibody test will determine if you’ve already had the virus and are therefore immune.
Antibody tests may be helpful in determining who has had the disease, and who has at least some immunity to the virus. However, experts are unsure just how long that immunity will last. It’s possible you could get re-infected even if you’ve already had the virus. Plus, several antibody tests available for purchase are not FDA-approved and may be inaccurate. Until a clinically validated test is widely available, save your money, and practice safe social distancing and disinfecting measures.
MYTH: Wearing a face mask will completely protect you from getting the virus.
The CDC recommends wearing masks when in public settings, and there is still much to learn about the effectiveness of masks if everyone wears them. Recommendations to wear a mask are to protect others if you are unknowingly have the virus. Some studies suggest that even homemade masks may partially filter out germs and “are better than nothing.” When going out, play it safe and wear one – for you and others – but practice social distancing measures and stay home when possible.  
Stay in the Know
As time goes on, experts and scientists will learn more about the virus, including treatments and additional practices to reduce infection risk and disease severity. In the meantime, the best way to prevent infection is to practice good hygiene and social distancing whenever possible. For the latest news about coronavirus and arthritis and the best ways to protect yourself, visit arthritis.org/careconnect.
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RA Patient Experience with COVID-19 Vaccine

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RA Patient Experience with COVID-19 Vaccine
A rheumatoid arthritis patient shares her experience getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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The Ins and Outs of Testing for COVID-19

Related Conditions

The Ins and Outs of Testing for COVID-19
There’s still a lot of confusion over who can get tested and where to go.
Read More
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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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