November Arthritis News Roundup
The Arthritis Foundation is your trusted source for information, and we’re staying on top of the latest arthritis-related news that could affect you. Here are the headlines from this past month.
These are some recent developments regarding COVID-19:
High Risk of COVID-19 Household Transmission Found
A new study shows COVID-19 transmission within households had a secondary infection rate of 53%. Significant transmission occurred regardless of whether the family member with initial diagnosis was an adult or child. Approximately 75% of those who also tested positive in the home did so within five days of the initial infection. Researchers strongly advise that people who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate immediately, and that all members of the household wear a mask when in shared spaces. Read more .
COVID-19 Infection Rates Low With Rheumatic Diseases
As the pandemic continues to surge across the U.S., new research is helping to clarify how COVID-19 is affecting people with rheumatic diseases. The new study shows incidence of infection has been low among people with rheumatic diseases, and most of those infected experienced a mild course of illness. The research included 6,095 patients with various rheumatic diseases from eight different observational cohort studies. Read more on these new findings .
Research Confirms Mask Safety
A small study tested oxygen-saturation levels with mask use, measuring participants’ oxygen levels before, during and after mask use. Oxygen levels ranged around 96% during all three periods of time. Researchers conclude these findings do not support claims that wearing face masks is unsafe. Read more .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information on the benefits of using cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-Cov-2 for protecting both the wearer and others nearby.
FDA Authorizes First Self Test for COVID-19
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first COVID-19 diagnostic self-testing kit that provides rapid results in 30 minutes or less. The test, which includes a nasal swab, is authorized for prescription-use only for individuals age 14 and older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their health care provider. Read more .
Children Produce Different Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
A new study shows that children and adults produce different types and amounts of antibodies in response to infection with the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This difference in antibodies allows children to respond much differently to the virus and may help explain why they clear the virus more efficiently from their bodies than adults do. Read more .
For the latest updates on COVID-19 and arthritis, visit the Care & Connect resource center to find FAQs and tips on staying healthy during the pandemic. You can also watch the latest webinars related to COVID-19, including COVID-19 Treatments & Vaccines .
Other Arthritis-Related News:
Time-Restricting Calories
According to a new study, time-restricted eating – consuming calories within a specific period of time – did not impact weight loss in overweight adults. Past research has found that intermittent fasting may have benefits for people with autoimmune diseases, but this study raises questions about its effectiveness for weight loss. Read more .
Learn how to choose a weight loss program for your arthritis.
CBD Users May Test Positive for Marijuana on Urine Drug Screen
While the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is on the rise, a new study showed that after four weeks of CBD oil use, individuals who participated in the research tested positive for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Read more on this research .
If you have considered using CBD to manage your arthritis symptoms, before you make your decision, learn more about what you should know in the Arthritis Foundation’s CBD Guidance for Adults .
Hydroxychloroquine Not Linked to Heart Rate Measures
Hydroxychloroquine is a common treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). New research suggests that concerns about its possible heart-related side effects on patients may no longer be linked. Read more .
For information on hydroxychloroquine and other arthritis medications and their side effects, visit the Arthritis Foundation’s Drug Guide.
Corticosteroids May Not Contribute to Advanced Knee OA
According to new research released at the American College of Rheumatology conference, the use of corticosteroid injections may not be a contributing factor to advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) or the need for earlier knee replacement surgery. Read more .
Learn ways to manage your symptoms with these Six Exercises for Knee OA Pain .
The Arthritis Foundation is leading the way for better treatments and research for osteoarthritis through the Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial Network . We are advancing OA science, gathering the top OA clinical research scientists and experts through the Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies(OACS) OACS Program .
These are some recent developments regarding COVID-19:
High Risk of COVID-19 Household Transmission Found
A new study shows COVID-19 transmission within households had a secondary infection rate of 53%. Significant transmission occurred regardless of whether the family member with initial diagnosis was an adult or child. Approximately 75% of those who also tested positive in the home did so within five days of the initial infection. Researchers strongly advise that people who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate immediately, and that all members of the household wear a mask when in shared spaces. Read more .
COVID-19 Infection Rates Low With Rheumatic Diseases
As the pandemic continues to surge across the U.S., new research is helping to clarify how COVID-19 is affecting people with rheumatic diseases. The new study shows incidence of infection has been low among people with rheumatic diseases, and most of those infected experienced a mild course of illness. The research included 6,095 patients with various rheumatic diseases from eight different observational cohort studies. Read more on these new findings .
Research Confirms Mask Safety
A small study tested oxygen-saturation levels with mask use, measuring participants’ oxygen levels before, during and after mask use. Oxygen levels ranged around 96% during all three periods of time. Researchers conclude these findings do not support claims that wearing face masks is unsafe. Read more .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information on the benefits of using cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-Cov-2 for protecting both the wearer and others nearby.
FDA Authorizes First Self Test for COVID-19
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first COVID-19 diagnostic self-testing kit that provides rapid results in 30 minutes or less. The test, which includes a nasal swab, is authorized for prescription-use only for individuals age 14 and older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their health care provider. Read more .
Children Produce Different Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
A new study shows that children and adults produce different types and amounts of antibodies in response to infection with the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This difference in antibodies allows children to respond much differently to the virus and may help explain why they clear the virus more efficiently from their bodies than adults do. Read more .
For the latest updates on COVID-19 and arthritis, visit the Care & Connect resource center to find FAQs and tips on staying healthy during the pandemic. You can also watch the latest webinars related to COVID-19, including COVID-19 Treatments & Vaccines .
Other Arthritis-Related News:
Time-Restricting Calories
According to a new study, time-restricted eating – consuming calories within a specific period of time – did not impact weight loss in overweight adults. Past research has found that intermittent fasting may have benefits for people with autoimmune diseases, but this study raises questions about its effectiveness for weight loss. Read more .
Learn how to choose a weight loss program for your arthritis.
CBD Users May Test Positive for Marijuana on Urine Drug Screen
While the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is on the rise, a new study showed that after four weeks of CBD oil use, individuals who participated in the research tested positive for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Read more on this research .
If you have considered using CBD to manage your arthritis symptoms, before you make your decision, learn more about what you should know in the Arthritis Foundation’s CBD Guidance for Adults .
Hydroxychloroquine Not Linked to Heart Rate Measures
Hydroxychloroquine is a common treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). New research suggests that concerns about its possible heart-related side effects on patients may no longer be linked. Read more .
For information on hydroxychloroquine and other arthritis medications and their side effects, visit the Arthritis Foundation’s Drug Guide.
Corticosteroids May Not Contribute to Advanced Knee OA
According to new research released at the American College of Rheumatology conference, the use of corticosteroid injections may not be a contributing factor to advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) or the need for earlier knee replacement surgery. Read more .
Learn ways to manage your symptoms with these Six Exercises for Knee OA Pain .
The Arthritis Foundation is leading the way for better treatments and research for osteoarthritis through the Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial Network . We are advancing OA science, gathering the top OA clinical research scientists and experts through the Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies(OACS) OACS Program .
