You Said It: Avoiding the Flu with RA or PsA

If you have an autoimmune disease, likerheumatoid arthritis (RA),psoriatic arthritis (PsA), orlupus, or you take immunosuppressing drugs, you have to be extra-careful to avoid contagious diseases. We asked our readers and followers “What steps do you take to avoid getting sick during flu and cold season?” Here are their answers.

I keep sanitizing hand wipes in my purse for cleaning grocery carts and shopping basket handles. We all use hand sanitizer as soon as we get in the car and wash our hands immediately when we get home. I also exercise regularly to keep my immune system as boosted as possible.

— Rebecca Lang, Athens, Georgia

别碰你的脸!不要这样做。手指不要接触眼睛、鼻子和粘膜。不喜欢。联系。你的。脸

— Lisa, Deer Park, New York

Alwaysget a flu shotearly in the year. It’s usually free and easy to get at a local pharmacy, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

— Branden via Reddit

I let family and friends know I am immune compromised and ask them to just let me know if they had a cold or the flu. I can then decide about interactions.

— Ann Vine, Seattle, Washington

I’ve found that food and movement are the best medicine. Tons of fruits and veggies, and I bought a Blu light forvitamin D.

— Austin Gunter, San Francisco, California

When you listen to your body and follow your instructions to keep you healthy along with doctor visits, you’ll feel a lot better! Always listen to your body!

— Marsha Woody, Killeen, TX

我会尽量避免去人多的地方，经常洗手，如果可能的话，使用洗手液。No sharing of food and drinks with loved ones and friends, drink lots of water or take ginger, lemon tea and of course not forgetting my vitamin C andfish oil.

— Ivy Chin, via Facebook

Clorox or Lysol wipes on door handles and drawer pulls that get the most use. Probiotic gummies for all of us. No drinking or eating after each other and promoting family kisses on the forehead/cheek rather than the lips.

— Katherine Revel, Atlanta, Georgia

Besides doing all the basic preventative measures, I take extra vitamins, eat ananti-inflammatory dietand go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. The gym helps me keep my strength and stamina.

— Nancy Dennis, Durand, Michigan

Visit theArthritis Foundation online support communityor find in-person support atArthritis Introspective.