BJC Health is very aware that patients on immunosuppressive treatments for rheumatological conditions are feeling extremely vulnerable and anxious due to Covid-19.
The problem at the moment is that many of us are expected to get Covid-19 whether immunosuppressed or not. The good news is that it will be mild for the vast majority.
It’s hard to know what risk you may have. That risk is perhaps slightly higher than the average person and depends on how well your disease is controlled, and which and how much medication you may be taking.
Treatments we used to suppress or modify the immune system include steroids, disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics.
Some of our patients have asked if they should stop their treatment.
Our current advice, which is reflected by advice from international rheumatology associations is that you should remain on treatment.
The Covid-19 pandemic is going to last many months so if you stop your medicine, the disease is likely to have flare. This flare will potentially make you more susceptible to illness including Covid-19, especially if we need to use steroids to suppress the flare.
There are of course exceptions to this, and we would suggest that you contact your treating rheumatologist for tailored advice.
If you do develop any infection on treatment, you should postpone your treatment (with the exception of steroids such as prednisone) until the infection has resolved. Again, we would suggest you contact your treatment rheumatologist for specific advice.
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