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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Adak, AK

I am curious if it is possible even after having your flu and covid shots being someone that is a stay at home mom can you still obtain a sore throat in this cold weather with how your immune system changes and how the RA medication works?

I am doing everything right for self-care with medication and to keep myself protected when going outside. Should I need to a visit will be made to the primary care for an antibiotic but for right now I'm doing what is needed with keeping hydrated between… read more

November 6 (edited)
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A myRAteam Member

You may think that I have lost it mentally. My granddaughter basically lived with me from birth to present almost 18 years. She rode the bus several years. When my granddaughter got off the bus, it was a rule that she took a shower, wash her hair and dirty clothes went into the washer. My immune system was very low during those years. It was amazing that she didn’t get sick with respiratory problems but twice in all those years. She packed her lunch and ate healthy. I made sure that she got her vaccines. To this day she has hand sanitizer with her. She’s not paranoid about it but she will say that she stays healthy. If her friends spend the night with her, she makes sure that they are not sick before they come over. Her mama used to stay sick when she worked as a waitress while going to school. During Covid we all stayed well
My husband got Covid while waiting at the DMV. He had to stay in the shop while he was having symptoms which he has his own recliner etc lol
It takes approximately 3-4 weeks after vaccines before they are effective.

7 days ago
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

There are so many strains out there . You can still get sick even right after a flu shot & Covid shot!!😣

November 7
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

More than likely the sore throat is viral. Antibiotics will not help if viral. Warm saline gargles and warm lemon teas help me. You could have come in contact with it in any place. People are inconsiderate. They go out sick spreading germs. If your sore throat gets worse, you start running a fever, throat is extremely red and the sore throat is not allergy related, go to the doctor or urgent care. Wash your hands frequently and stay hydrated.

November 6
A myRAteam Member

Yes! The vaccines only give so much immunity at the best of times, with our compromised immunity it gives us less. Hopefully you don’t get it as bad as you could’ve. Feel better soon SuElf

November 6
Instant Answer

Can you still get a sore throat even after getting your flu and COVID vaccines while managing RA and taking RA medications?

Yes, absolutely — and it's not a reflection of doing anything wrong. Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, but they don't create a perfect shield against every bug out there Show Full Answer

Can you still get a sore throat even after getting your flu and COVID vaccines while managing RA and taking RA medications?

Yes, absolutely — and it's not a reflection of doing anything wrong. Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, but they don't create a perfect shield against every bug out there, especially in cold weather. There are a couple of reasons why this can happen with RA specifically:

- RA medications can suppress the immune system, which may slightly reduce how strongly your body responds to vaccines and fights off everyday infections
- Cold weather itself can increase inflammation, as genes linked to inflammation tend to be more active in winter months
- Even a weakened vaccine response still offers real protection — it lowers the chances of serious illness, even if it doesn't prevent every sniffle or sore throat The self-care steps being taken — staying hydrated, keeping warm, and staying on top of medications — are exactly the right approach. Keeping vitamin D levels up during winter months is also worth discussing with a doctor, as it may support how the body feels overall.

Visiting a primary care provider if things don't improve is a smart plan. They can determine whether anything more is needed. Trust that instinct! 💛

November 6
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >

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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX

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