This episode is a Step 5 - a revisit to the table - as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process

Over the last couple of years, the world has watched as COVID-19 has evolved into variants that differ slightly from the original virus. We’ve seen vaccinations and boosters work, yet we also know that new strains are somewhat resistant to high level protection. COVID treatments have emerged to help those who are immunocompromised - like those with AiArthritis diseases who are on immunosuppressive treatments - but can we access them and, if so, how? 

We've been on quite an emotional and physical rollercoaster, and it’s not over. Should we be concerned about “Long COVID” and “Post COVID”? What is research showing about COVID in our rheumatology population? Join Tiffany, Patrice, and Deb - all persons living with AiArthritis diseases and who also all have experienced COVID recently - as they share the latest research, guidance, and their own personal patient-guided opinions - in regards to the world of COVID in 2022. 

Episode Highlights : 

• What are Long COVID and Post COVID and how either can affect someone with AiArthritis diseases?


• The key factors that increase risk of getting COVID


• Evolution of COVID and the relevance of current COVID research


• The first steps to take if you are someone with AiArthritis diseases and diagnosed with COVID


• How to access medication to prevent COVID for those who are immunocompromised 


• The impact self care and your mental health can have on developing post COVID

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Exploring the Link Between COVID-19 and Autoimmunity Can Help Patients With Long-Haul COVID: https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/home/news/exploring-the-link-between-covid-19-and-autoimmunity-can-help-patients-with-long-haul-covid/


• Long COVID is associated with poor mental health in patients with rheumatic disease: results from a 14-month longitudinal study: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/61/Supplement_1/keac133.074/6573114 


• COVID-19 Outcomes Similar in Patients With and Without Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/home/conference-highlights/eular-2022-coverage/covid-19-outcomes-similar-in-patients-with-and-without-immune-mediated-inflammatory-diseases/


• Still testing positive after day 10? How to decide when to end your COVID isolation : https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/06/30/1108615724/positive-test-isolation


• The EULAR 2022 Debate: Will COVID-19 have a long-term impact on rheumatology practice? : https://rheumatology.medicinematters.com/eular-2022/covid-19/debate-long-term-impact/23124564


• Post-COVID-19 Tachycardia Syndrome: A Distinct Phenotype of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8356730/


• Risk Factors for “Long Haul” COVID-19 in Rheumatology Outpatients in New York City : https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/risk-factors-for-long-haul-covid-19-in-rheumatology-outpatients-in-new-york-city/ 


• COVID-19 in people with rheumatic diseases: risks, outcomes, treatment considerations: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-022-00755-x 


• Coronavirus FAQ: Biden had a Paxlovid rebound. Is that common? What's it all about?: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/05/20/1099176613/coronavirus-faq-i-took-paxlovid-i-felt-better-then-symptoms-rebounded-whats-up 


• Long COVID is associated with poor mental health in patients with rheumatic disease: results from a 14-month longitudinal study : https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/61/Supplement_1/keac133.074/6573114 

Shout Outs: 

Dr. Al Kim:

• Website: https://profiles.wustl.edu/en/persons/alfred-kim


• Twitter: @alhkim

Meet Our Co-Hosts: 

Tiffany is the CEO at International Foundation for AiArthritis and uses her professional expertise in mind-mapping and problem solving to help others, like her, who live with AiArthritis diseases work in unison to identify and solve unresolved community issues.

Connect with Tiffany:

• Facebook: @tiffanyAiArthritis


• Twitter: @TiffWTobertson


• LinkedIn: @TiffanyWestrichRobertson

Eileen is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate from Vancouver Canada. She volunteers with the Arthritis Research Canada patient advisory board and the Canadian Institute of Health Research - Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis patient engagement research ambassador, among others. 

Connect With Eileen: 

• Instagram: @chroniceileen


• Twitter: @chroniceileen

Patrice was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Patrice has been in remission off and on during these last 11 years. Patrice also has had several comorbidities: severe hearing loss which resulted in her now wearing hearing aids, a Baker's Cyst, a vein ablation, plantar fasciitis, pseudo gout, and she also has osteopenia. Patrice has been a volunteer with AiArthritis for over 2 years and has been co-host and a host for the podcast several times. Patrice went to EULAR virtually with AiArthritis in 2020 and 2021 and attended the virtual ACR conference in 2021 with AiArthritis.

Connect with Patrice:

• Facebook : @PatriceJohnson

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AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org).  Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!