What’s the Connection Between COVID-19 and Arthritis?

By now, people know that certain groups, such as  those with heart conditions, run a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.. But is arthritis a similar high-risk category? Anna Border, M.D., a rheumatologist at Hackensack University and Medical Center, weighs in.

How Does COVID Affect People With Arthritis?

While the health community is still learning about COVID-19, there is no evidence that arthritis increases the rate of infection, re-infection or the need for hospitalization. Some arthritis medications are immunosuppressants, however, and people taking these medications may be at a higher risk for developing COVID-19 and having a more complicated disease course.

“It doesn’t seem that people who have arthritis and then develop COVID-19 have a different disease course than anyone else would,” Dr. Border says. “We’re finding that how people with arthritis fare with COVID largely depends not on whether they have arthritis but whether they have other comorbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes or high body weight.”

As the virus continues to change and more information comes to light, Dr. Border emphasizes the need for vaccination. “Vaccination is preventing people with rheumatological conditions from developing severe COVID-19, so it’s important for people to get vaccinated."

Can COVID Cause Arthritis?

The short answer is yes, it can. Dr. Border explains: “It’s been well established that viral conditions predispose people to developing arthritis. People can develop arthritis after having the flu or any virus. These are common culprits, and COVID-19 is no different.”

Studies have yet to show whether arthritis due to COVID-19 runs the same course as other types of viral arthritis or if it will lead to other rheumatological conditions, Dr. Border says.

It will be difficult to pinpoint if COVID-19 is a true cause of arthritis in some people because of a lack of control groups to study and the fact that arthritis is a common condition..

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Anna Border, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a rheumatologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.