You can usually take basic options like paracetamol for fever or aches and simple cold meds for congestion, but avoid using them too frequently. Some ingredients can interact with regular medications or cause side effects if taken often. Focus on rest, fluids, and steam for relief. If symptoms keep coming back, it’s best to check with a doctor before continuing medication.
May 4
Feeling run-down and cold-like symptoms can actually be part of RA itself, especially during flares or when disease activity increases. Overexertion, like pushing through a tough day at work, is a known trigger for RA flares — so what feels like a cold may actually be your RA talking.
Before reaching for cold and flu Show Full Answer
Feeling run-down and cold-like symptoms can actually be part of RA itself, especially during flares or when disease activity increases. Overexertion, like pushing through a tough day at work, is a known trigger for RA flares — so what feels like a cold may actually be your RA talking.
Before reaching for cold and flu medicine regularly, it's really important to check in with your rheumatologist. Here's why:
- Some RA medications can suppress your immune system, making it harder to tell if symptoms are RA-related or an actual infection
- Frequent use of certain over-the-counter medicines may interact with RA treatments
- Your doctor can help figure out whether symptoms are RA-related or something else entirely For general symptom relief in the meantime, some safer options that are often recommended include:
- Rest — don't push through exhaustion, your body is sending signals
- Staying hydrated with plenty of fluids
- Over-the-counter options like Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help with aches and low-grade fever — but always confirm with your doctor first
- Staying warm with blankets, heating pads, or warm drinks, which many myRAteam members find helpful
The key takeaway: don't self-manage this long-term without guidance from your rheumatologist, especially given your RA medications.
May 4
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