There are several groups of people considered high-risk for complications if they contract COVID or they may end up experiencing long-haul COVID. One particular group is people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. There are several reasons you should consider getting vaccinated and take all boosters offered.

The Condition Itself

Having an autoimmune disease means you have a hyperactive and dysfunctional immune system. Instead of your immune system attacking foreign substances that might enter the body, like viruses and bacteria, it attacks your own healthy tissues. You might think since you have an overactive immune system, this should work in your favor if you ever encounter an infectious disease. It would seem like your body would go into overdrive to attack and eliminate the disease from your body. Unfortunately, that's not what often happens. Having an autoimmune disease can mean your immune system may be preoccupied attacking your healthy tissues and not launch a sufficient attack against invaders.

Medications

The medications used for autoimmune diseases can make people vulnerable to severe COVID complications. Medications for autoimmune diseases are designed to suppress some parts of your immune system to minimize or stop the attack on your body. The more effective your medication is at controlling the disease, the more likely your immune system may not be robust enough to stop invaders. Low doses of methotrexate are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medication is also used in higher doses as chemotherapy for cancer. Similarly, large doses of steroids, such as prednisone, may also have significant immunosuppressive effects. Another concern with suppression of the immune system is you may not have an adequate response to the COVID vaccine. It is important for your body to create antibodies after the vaccine to fight off future infection. Unfortunately, many people with a suppressed immune system may make little to no antibodies and rely on subsequent boosters to encourage their immune system to make antibodies.

Future Autoimmune Diseases

People who have autoimmune diseases are at an increased risk of developing additional autoimmune diseases. One major concern is the development of Gillian-Barre syndrome (GB) after COVID infection. This condition may be triggered by other things, like surgery or vaccines. The risk of developing GB after the COVID vaccine is significantly less than the risk of developing the condition after COVID infection. GB occurs when the immune system starts attacking nerves, leading to weakness and paralysis. Another autoimmune disease that might be triggered by COVID infection is systemic lupus.

As a person with an autoimmune disease, it can be challenging to determine whether a vaccination is in your best interest. Unless your doctors advise against the COVID vaccine, getting your vaccinations and any available boosters will give you the best chance at avoiding serious or long-term illness if you develop COVID.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, contact a health care clinic near you.