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For the 25 million individuals living with asthma in the U.S., preparing for a trip or time away from home involves a few extra steps. It’s important to pack carefully and make sure you have everything you need to manage your asthma, including medication and medication delivery devices. Additionally, since environmental triggers can worsen certain types of asthma, researching your location and carefully planning your activities and accommodations is key.

A Guide to Traveling With Asthma

Use the suggestions below to prepare for your next trip and read our previous blog, Managing Your Medications While Traveling, for more on what to consider when traveling with medication.

Travel doesn’t always go as expected, so bring more of your asthma medication than you need. Plan ahead to refill your medication in advance of your trip, if needed. If you are prescribed both a quick-relief medication and a longer-term control medication, make sure you have enough of both. Depending on the severity of your asthma symptoms, you may want to order a medical identification bracelet.

Depending on your plans, you may wish to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss how your upcoming travel may impact your overall health or your asthma treatment needs. Ask if there are any recommended vaccines for your trip. 

An asthma action plan documents your individualized treatment plan. It should include what steps to take if your asthma symptoms intensify, a list of your medications and dosages, and your doctor’s contact information. If you have an existing asthma action plan, make sure it’s up to date. If you don’t already have one, work with your doctor to create one before your trip.

View the American Lung Association’s guide on creating an asthma action plan.

Before departing for your trip, review the details of your health insurance plan. Check whether your plan covers doctor’s appointments or emergency visits to a hospital or urgent care in another state or country.

If you are traveling internationally, be mindful that prescription laws vary by country. It’s a good idea to contact the U.S. embassy of the country you’re visiting for more details. Some countries may only allow a 30-day supply for certain medications and/or require you to carry an official prescription or additional information from your doctor with you.

Allergic asthma accounts for approximately 60% of all asthma cases in the U.S. With this type of asthma, inflammation in the airways and the development of asthma symptoms occurs after exposure to allergens. Common allergens, or allergic asthma triggers, include household dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

If you have allergic asthma, there are steps you can take before your trip to prevent a flare-up of symptoms. For example, when staying in a hotel, request a room that is non-smoking and pet-free. You can also anticipate exposure to pet dander while in transit by contacting your airline or train company and asking about their policies.

There are tools that share your destination’s pollen forecast, including Accuweather and Pollen.com.

Here’s a list of potential asthma medications and medication delivery devices to pack. Some may not be relevant for your treatment plan, and if you’re unsure what to bring, ask your care team. In addition, confirm which temperature your medications should be stored at and take those guidelines into account when packing.

Enough medication for your trip, plus extra

Medication delivery devices including a nebulizer or spacer (if applicable) - if you are traveling by plane, contact your airline in advance to learn how to pack your nebulizer. If traveling internationally, make sure your device will work with power outlets in your destination.

Your health insurance card and provider’s contact information

Medications should always be packed in your carry-on rather than a checked bag. While the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s current limit on liquids, gels, and creams in a carry-on bag is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), there are exceptions for medications. Give yourself extra time to allow for screening of these items. If you use a nebulizer, it will likely require additional screening.

Customs officials may ask for proof of your prescription records if your medications don’t have labels or are from another country. If you are traveling internationally, carry physical proof of your prescription to avoid any issues when passing through security or customs. A prescription label or a copy of your prescription will work. (For most inhalers, the prescription label is on the box rather than the inhaler itself.)

While many pharmacy apps allow you to show digital proof of prescription records on your phone, you should have a physical label or prescription copy in case you do not have internet access.

While at your destination, always carry your quick-relief medication with you in case of an emergency. Take appropriate precautions to limit your exposure to asthma triggers. If your allergic asthma symptoms are triggered by poor air quality and pollution, checking daily air quality reports — included on many weather apps and websites — can help you prepare. Avoid exposure to smoke as much as possible.

If you are visiting a location with high temperatures, be sure to stay hydrated and consume enough fluids.

Alto Pharmacy is here every step of the way to make it easy to manage your asthma symptoms and prepare for travel. Our team of pharmacists is available to answer questions about your asthma medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Reach out by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can support your asthma treatment plan.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed after receiving a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — living with a chronic lung disease brings changes to many aspects of life. Many people don’t realize that the condition is highly treatable, and that there are things you can do to slow the progression of COPD. To help you better understand and manage your COPD, let’s take a look at five common misconceptions surrounding this lung disease.

Misconception About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of progressive lung diseases. The two primary diseases under this umbrella are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Most people with COPD have both conditions, but it’s possible to have just one.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema affect the lungs in different ways. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the airways leading to your lungs, which leads to a chronic cough and increased mucus. Emphysema destroys your lungs’ fragile air sacs, or alveoli, obstructing airflow. When alveoli become damaged, the lungs cannot fully expel air carrying carbon dioxide out of the body, so some of it remains trapped in your lungs. Oxygen-rich air is then blocked from entering the lungs, which causes gradually worsening shortness of breath.

COPD may not be curable, but it is highly manageable. There are many treatment options that can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life, while also preventing the condition from progressing into a more advanced stage. In addition to lifestyle changes, COPD treatment may consist of medications, supplemental oxygen therapy (typically used for COPD caused by emphysema), and surgery in more advanced cases.

Medications commonly used to treat COPD include bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier, and inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent COPD exacerbations, or flare-ups.

Other medications may be used to treat exacerbations or more severe cases of COPD, including oral steroids and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors.

3. After a COPD diagnosis, it’s too late to quit smoking.

There is never a bad time to stop smoking and quitting is the most important thing you can do to manage COPD. Since COPD is a progressive lung disease, symptoms gradually become more severe over time. While it’s true that you cannot reverse the damage to your lungs caused by smoking, you can prevent COPD from progressing into a more advanced stage by maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. In fact, many people with early-stage COPD are able to regain near-normal lung function after quitting tobacco use. Even if your COPD has already progressed to a more advanced stage, quitting smoking will help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups and other health complications.

If you are having trouble quitting, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. They may be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Watch our webinar for more on the role of smoking cessation in COPD treatment.

The lung damage caused by COPD can affect other areas of the body. The condition can increase your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. It may also lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that transport blood to your lungs. The risk of these potential health complications is one reason it’s so important to get an early diagnosis, and to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends in order to slow progression.

People with COPD are also more likely to contract the flu or pneumonia — and to have more intense symptoms of these illnesses — so as part of your COPD treatment plan, stay current with your yearly flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Quite the opposite — regular physical activity is key to maintaining a good quality of life and living healthily with COPD. While it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re short of breath, physical activity can make it easier to breathe in the long run by strengthening your respiratory muscles.

It’s important to take it slow and practice gentle exercises that don’t overexert your lungs. Your doctor can help you determine appropriate activities based on your experience of COPD.

You may also benefit from a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which helps many people with COPD manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an outpatient exercise and education program where physical therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals share breathing techniques, nutritional advice, exercise recommendations, and other strategies for living with COPD.

Let Alto Pharmacy support your COPD treatment

We’re here every step of the way to help you manage COPD symptoms and get the medications you need, with free same-day delivery and easy-to-use medication management reminders in our app.

And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone or in the Alto app. Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Traveling with any type of medication requires advanced planning. For those with diabetes, it’s even more imperative to prepare, as there are additional factors to consider like insulin temperature control and TSA screening of diabetes supplies and equipment. Use the suggestions below to make sure you have everything you need to manage your diabetes while away from home.
Consulting your doctor

Traveling With Diabetes: How to Prepare

Traveling with any type of medication requires advanced planning. For those with diabetes, it’s even more imperative to prepare, as there are additional factors to consider like insulin temperature control and TSA screening of diabetes supplies and equipment. Use the suggestions below to make sure you have everything you need to manage your diabetes while away from home.

Schedule an appointment with your diabetes care provider before your trip to make a plan for diabetes management during your travels. Be sure to cover the following:

How will planned activities impact your care needs?

What is the recommended frequency of blood sugar monitoring?

How might changing time zones impact the timing of your insulin dosage? 

Are there any recommended vaccines for your trip?

Keep in mind that eating and physical activity levels can shift during travel — sometimes unexpectedly — so it’s important to prepare for changes in your blood glucose levels.

Travel doesn’t always go as planned, so it’s important to have extra diabetes supplies and medication on hand. A good rule of thumb is to pack twice as many supplies as you think you’ll need and to bring additional paper prescriptions for insulin or other diabetes medications.

If traveling internationally, be mindful that prescription laws vary by country. It’s a good idea to contact the U.S. embassy of the country you’re visiting for more details. Some countries may only allow a 30-day supply for certain medications and/or require you to carry an official prescription or additional information from your doctor with you.

In addition, keep your health insurance card on you throughout the duration of your travels, and review your policy for travel-related details, including whether your destination is included in your provider network.

Here’s a list of potential diabetes medications and supplies to pack. Depending on your diabetes treatment plan, some may not be relevant for you. If you’re unsure what to bring — or how much to bring — ask your diabetes care team.

Enough insulin and syringes for your trip, plus extra

Enough oral medications for your trip, plus extra

Sources of glucose to restore blood glucose levels in the event of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, such as over-the-counter glucose tablets (Lift Glucose Chews, TRUEplus® Glucose Tablets, ReliOn™ Glucose Tablets), over-the-counter glucose gel (Dex4® Glucose Gel, Glutose™ 15/Glutose™ 45, Insta-Glucose®), or carbohydrate-rich snacks like dried fruits, trail mix, honey, or granola bars

For a detailed list of diabetes management essentials, read How to Prepare a Diabetes Emergency Kit.

If you are traveling on a longer flight with meal service, contact your airline and ask if it’s possible to request a meal tailored to your dietary needs, with low sugar, fat, and cholesterol values. Be sure to have other food on hand in case there are any issues with your meal.

Make sure others know that you have diabetes. If traveling with others, inform them of what to do in the event of a hypoglycemia emergency. If traveling alone, have a medical ID bracelet or another form of identification that communicates your diabetes diagnosis. You should also carry a list of your current medications and doses and provider contact information.

It’s always best to pack important medications in your carry-on rather than in a checked bag. Since you’ll be bringing additional supplies and medications as a back-up, make sure at least half of them are in your carry-on.

While the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s current limit on liquids, gels, and creams in a carry-on bag is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), there are exceptions for diabetes supplies and medications. Give yourself extra time to allow for additional screening of these items. If you use a diabetes device attached to your body, such as an insulin pump or glucose monitor, it will likely require additional screening as well.

Here are some tips that may help you get through security as efficiently as possible.

Inform the TSA officer that you are carrying more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medication before your screening process begins, if applicable.

Consider printing a TSA notification card describing your condition to hand to the TSA officer.

Bring a copy of your prescription(s) with you.

Keep all medications and supplies in their original packaging.

Put your medications and supplies in a separate, clear bag, as they will need to be separated from the rest of your belongings.

If you take insulin, make sure you have what you need to keep it refrigerated. Keep in mind that insulin should not be held at extreme temperatures and storing it in an ice pack can make it unusable. Many people with diabetes use insulated medication bags to hold insulin at an appropriate temperature when traveling.

Read Taking Care of Your Insulin to learn more about safe insulin storage.

It’s important to stay proactive about your diabetes management. There may be times when you have to check your blood sugar even more frequently, for example, if you are more active than usual, and adjust your meal plans accordingly. Keep in mind that hot weather can also impact your body’s insulin use and your blood sugar levels.

Continue to hold insulin at an appropriate temperature during your travels and avoid leaving it in a hot car — including the glove compartment or trunk — or anywhere with direct sunlight. The same applies to other diabetes supplies like your blood sugar monitor and insulin pump.

If you are going on a longer trip, with a full itinerary, try to take it easy for the first few days as your body adjusts. Remember to bring snacks with you on busy days with long activities.

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

At Alto, we make it as easy as possible to manage your diabetes when traveling. We offer free, same-day delivery of medication and supplies right to your doorstep, and our dedicated diabetes team is here to answer any questions you may have before your trip.

Reach out any time via in-app secure messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

For many individuals, the journey of living with type 2 diabetes starts early. Once referred to as adult-onset diabetes due to its prevalence among middle-aged and older Americans, the condition has become more common in children, adolescents, and young adults, due in part to growing childhood obesity rates. While some aspects of type 2 diabetes management, like glucose monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices, are important for all age groups, other parts of treatment may change with time. Here’s a snapshot of what type 2 diabetes may look like at each stage of life and tips for living with the condition.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes at Any Age

All type 2 diabetes treatment plans include healthy eating, frequent physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring regardless of age. Depending on a child or adult’s blood sugar levels and overall health, they may also need diabetes medication or insulin therapy to supplement these lifestyle changes. In addition to insulin, two other diabetes medications may be used to treat type 2 diabetes during childhood: metformin, an oral medication, and liraglutide, an injectable medication.

Younger children will need assistance with blood sugar monitoring, and if your child takes insulin, they will also need help with insulin administration. It’s important that teachers or other school staff are able to provide support during school days. Make sure that someone at the school is prepared to administer glucagon if your child’s blood sugar falls below a healthy range (known as hypoglycemia).

Inform your child’s teacher and/or other school staff of your child’s type 2 diagnosis before classes begin. Be sure to discuss daily treatment needs like blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, or other medication needs, as well as how to spot the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has resources that can help you start these conversations.

Living with type 2 diabetes as a young child can be emotionally challenging. It often helps to build connections with other children who are on the same journey. Explore programming for children with type 2 diabetes, like the ADA’s summer camps.

If your child is overweight, their doctor may recommend that you focus on slowing weight gain rather than losing weight since they are still growing. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and look for simple but impactful changes, like swapping carbohydrate-rich foods for a snackable fruit or vegetable, or trading soft drinks and fruit juices for water.

Whether you’ve had type 2 diabetes since childhood or are newly diagnosed, living with the condition as a young adult requires you to take an active role in the management of your health. It’s important to build a relationship with a care team that you trust to avoid any gaps in your treatment. Depending on your treatment plan, you may also have to learn about the logistics of filling prescriptions, ordering diabetes supplies, and coordinating with your insurance company.

Taking on additional responsibilities and navigating life more independently doesn’t mean that you’re completely on your own in managing your diabetes. If parents or another relative previously helped you with blood sugar monitoring, scheduling doctor’s appointments, or other aspects of care, use them as a resource during this transitional period as you become more confident managing your health. You may also want to expand your support system by working with a certified diabetes educator or connecting with other young adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Make sure you understand how other health issues can affect diabetes. For example, the common cold or flu can impact your calorie intake and blood sugar levels, so it’s important to be prepared to manage other illnesses. Alcohol safety is also extra important when living with type 2 diabetes, as alcohol is a factor in your blood sugar levels. For those taking insulin, be mindful of how alcohol use affects insulin therapy.

Build a diabetes care team you trust. In addition to seeing a primary care physician for general health issues, search for an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes treatment.

Familiarize yourself with all aspects of managing type 2 diabetes, from navigating health insurance to monitoring blood sugar. Consider working with a certified diabetes educator. These are healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of the condition who can offer individualized support. You can also search for a diabetes education program.

Find opportunities to connect with other young adults learning how to manage type 2 diabetes, like the Beyond Type 2 community.

The progression of type 2 diabetes varies significantly by individual. While many individuals are just beginning the journey of living with the condition in their 30s or 40s, diabetes management may feel like second nature for those who were diagnosed at an earlier age. It’s also possible for a person’s treatment needs to evolve at this stage of life. If lifestyle changes and other medications are effective, you may be tapering off of insulin. Conversely, you may need to begin taking additional medications, such as insulin, in order to manage your diabetes even more effectively. As always, follow your care team’s recommendations for your specific needs.

Regardless of what type 2 diabetes looks like for you, one thing’s for certain: it’s important to stay on top of your care and put your health first even when life is at its busiest. Make sure there’s plenty of room in your calendar for physical activity and doctor’s appointments. If you take insulin, find the right delivery method for your schedule and lifestyle. Many people who work long days in a physical setting find insulin pumps and pens convenient as they eliminate the need to remember the timing of injections.

If you are considering starting a family, your doctor can help you plan to have a healthy pregnancy. Get clarity on your A1C targets — your average blood sugar levels over several months — and how long to maintain them before pregnancy. Once you become pregnant, make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible to learn about any potential changes to your treatment plan.

Revisit your fitness routine, if needed, to find the right activities for your schedule. If you find it challenging to fit enough exercise into your life — ideally 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week — try to fit shorter bursts of physical activity into your day. 

If you take insulin, consult with your doctor about insulin delivery options to find the best fit for your needs.

Choose a diabetes pharmacy partner that simplifies your treatment. At Alto, we consolidate all of your medications and supplies into a single monthly delivery, and our mobile app can help you manage all of your diabetes needs in one place.

Preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices take on additional importance when you’re living with diabetes, which increases your risk for other chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and dementia.

Many older adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which is linked to a higher risk for strokes and heart attacks as well as vision and kidney function. Stay on top of key numbers like your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. You may also want to ask your doctor about additional screenings related to your mental health or cognitive health, as older adults with diabetes are more likely to experience depression or cognitive impairment. (If caring for an older adult with diabetes, watch for the signs of depression and dementia.)

Stay current with vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine. If you are unsure which vaccines you need, ask your doctor.

Ask your doctor about the recommended frequency of screenings for other health conditions, including cancer screenings and kidney function tests.

Find a loved one to help with insulin administration and recording blood sugar readings, if needed.

Managing diabetes is easier at any age with the right pharmacy partner by your side. The Alto app can help you manage all of your diabetes needs in one place, and our dedicated diabetes support team is here to offer guidance and make sure you have everything you need for your treatment.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881 to learn how we can support your diabetes care.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage. Read on for information about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Like all autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis occurs as the result of an improper immune response. However, the specific triggers of this response have not been identified. Evidence suggests that there is a genetic component; some individuals may be more sensitive to certain viruses and bacteria that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis, and having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for the condition, especially if you smoke or are overweight.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about three times as many women as men, potentially due to estrogen levels and sex differences in the physiological effects of stress. Women are also more likely to experience a more severe form of rheumatoid arthritis.

The condition often first develops during middle age, but it can affect anyone of any age. Children and adolescents under 16 may experience a form of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. In most cases, the pain happens on both sides of the body — a symptom that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Some individuals also experience joint stiffness that intensifies in the morning and after periods of physical inactivity.

Early-stage rheumatoid arthritis often affects your smaller joints — for example, the joints between your fingers and hands and toes and feet — before spreading to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and a feeling of weakness.

Symptoms may vary by individual, and they can also fluctuate over time. Many people experience flare-ups in which symptoms intensify, followed by periods of mild symptoms or none at all.

As a progressive condition, rheumatoid arthritis can become more severe if untreated. The inflammation damages your joints, which can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, or misshapen joints. It can also lead to problems in other important organs like your lungs, heart, and eyes.

Getting an early diagnosis makes a big difference in the prognosis and effectiveness of treatment. If you have any concerns about potential rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.

The diagnosis process often involves several steps. Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and your experience of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam of your joints, checking for swelling, redness, and limitations in movement. 

After your physical exam, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for antibodies and inflammation markers linked to rheumatoid arthritis, including:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube. Higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation.

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies your blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver.

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to support a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage the condition and prevent severe tissue damage.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®) can you help you manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups, as well as corticosteroids. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is also effective at reducing pain. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication for an extended period of time.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) can also help relieve pain and inflammation.

Other medications may be prescribed to slow the tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®), which prevent your immune system’s response to triggers. If a traditional DMARD is not effective, your doctor may prescribe an injectable biologic DMARD, which targets a more specific pathway in your immune system. Commonly prescribed biologic DMARDs include etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®).

Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis use cold compresses and ice packs or hot compresses and warm showers to treat inflammation and pain during flare-ups. Some people prefer a balance of hot and cold treatments.

Making lifestyle adjustments can improve your quality of life and lower your risk for RA-related health complications. 

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect your mobility and limit certain forms of exercise, it’s important to stay physically active. Gentle exercise like water exercise, tai chi, yoga, and stretching can reduce joint pressure and expand your joints’ range of motion.

Nutrition and diet choices can reduce inflammation and help you maintain a healthy weight. Avoid or reduce your intake of foods that may contribute to joint pain and inflammation including sugars and refined carbohydrates and gluten. In addition, consume alcohol in moderation.

Avoiding smoking and getting enough rest are also part of managing rheumatoid arthritis and preventing related health issues.

Since rheumatoid arthritis affects your immune system, those living with the condition often have a higher risk for other infections. Vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 can protect you against illness. Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Life with rheumatoid arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to non-pharmacological treatment options and navigating lifestyle changes. In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Vaccines — which were first developed in 1796 for smallpox and continue to evolve with new research and technology — build on your immune system’s natural function to protect you from serious diseases. Just like white blood cells and the other components of your immune system, vaccines help you develop immunity, but without the initial illness and risk of health complications. Here’s a look at how vaccines work.

The Science Behind Vaccines

Your immune system has a natural way of defending you from the viruses and bacteria that cause illness. As these germs multiply rapidly and infect your body, an army of white blood cells fights back, producing antibodies that attack the invaders.

The first time you are infected by a specific virus or bacteria, your immune system often cannot destroy the germ quickly enough to prevent you from becoming sick. After you’ve recovered, certain immune cells hold onto the memory of the infection. This allows them to mobilize quickly if they encounter the same germ again, preventing illness in the future. Immunity, your body’s resistance to certain types of infection, is the outcome of this process.

To understand how vaccines work, it’s helpful to know how your immune system naturally fights an infection. B-lymphocyte white blood cells produce blood proteins called antibodies, which attack antigens — the part of the invading germ that triggers an immune response. T-lymphocyte white blood cells attack already infected cells in the body. After the infection has ended, a few T-lymphocytes, or memory cells, remain to ensure a fast immune response should the same germ reappear.

Vaccines imitate infections, triggering the process of building immunity to a specific disease without causing illness. Your immune system responds to these imitation infections the same way it would to an actual infection. Detecting antigens from the vaccine, your immune system produces antibodies and T-lymphocyte cells. The imitation infection leaves your body with T-lymphocyte memory cells and B-lymphocytes, which will know how to quickly fight that antigen in the future. This prevents you from becoming sick if you are exposed to the virus or bacteria that cause the disease.

It typically takes several weeks for your body to produce T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte cells in response to a vaccine, which is why in most cases you will not immediately develop immunity. This means that you could become infected with a disease and develop symptoms shortly after vaccination, so it’s important to take necessary precautions until you become fully immune to the virus or bacteria. The healthcare professional administering your vaccine will inform you of the anticipated timeline for immunity.

Sometimes the imitation infection created by a vaccine causes mild symptoms such as a fever. These side effects are normal and indicate that your body is building immunity.

While all vaccines arrive at the end result of immunity, there are several paths for getting there. When deciding which type of vaccine to create for a disease, researchers consider a variety of factors, including the immune system’s response to the germ that causes the disease, the population likely to receive the vaccine, and the regions of the world where it will be used. These are the seven types of vaccines commonly used in the U.S.

Live vaccines use a weakened version of the living virus or bacteria that causes a disease. They are most similar to the natural infection and produce long-lasting immunity. The weakened form of the germ does not lead to serious disease, like that caused by the wild form of the germ, for most individuals with strong immune systems. However, live vaccines aren’t safe for those who are immunocompromised, including children undergoing cancer treatment. Examples of live vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the chickenpox vaccine.

Inactivated vaccines are produced by inactivating, or killing, the germ that causes a disease. Examples include the polio, hepatitis A, and flu vaccines. They don’t provide as strong of immunity as live vaccines, so additional doses, also referred to as booster shots, are often needed for ongoing protection.

Toxoid vaccines target a toxin, a harmful substance produced by a germ, rather than the entire germ itself. They contain a weakened version of the toxin to be targeted called a toxoid, which teaches your immune system how to fight off the natural toxin. Similar to the germs used in live vaccines, toxoids are weakened to a point where they do not cause illness. These vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by toxin-producing bacteria such as diphtheria and tetanus.

Subunit vaccines use portions of a virus or bacteria called subunits rather than the entire germ. Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, or whooping cough, are combined into the DTaP vaccine. The pertussis component is a subunit vaccine.

Conjugate vaccines fight a specific type of bacteria whose antigens are more difficult for a child’s immune system to detect due to their outer coating. The vaccines link the coating to stronger antigens that the immune system can more easily respond to. Like subunit vaccines, these vaccines are more targeted and only use part of the germ. Examples of conjugate vaccines include the haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine.

Viral vector vaccines produce immunity to a virus by using a modified version of a different virus to deliver instructions to your immune cells. The modified version of the other virus is referred to as a vector virus. Recent Ebola vaccines have used this technology, and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is also a viral vector vaccine.

mRNA vaccines help your body produce a protein that triggers an immune response and the development of antibodies. This technology was used to create the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

Read ‘What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV’

All vaccines in the United States require approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are held to rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. The vaccine approval process starts with lab tests, which may take years in some cases. The FDA analyzes the results to determine if the vaccine should be tested with people. If the vaccine moves forward, the next step is clinical trials where the vaccine is tested on volunteers.

Clinical trials typically begin with a smaller group of 20 to 100 volunteers before including thousands more. The trials gather information about vaccine safety, the typical immune response, and dosing. If any safety concerns emerge during this stage, the FDA must address them before it can authorize the vaccine.

Vaccine manufacturers are required to continuously monitor vaccine safety after approval and test every batch produced to ensure effectiveness, quality, and purity. These test results are reviewed by the FDA, which also conducts an inspection of the factory where the vaccine was produced. If you experience severe side effects after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider so that they can report potential concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s vaccine monitoring database.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were developed and approved more quickly than a typical vaccine given the urgent nature of the pandemic. This expedited timeline was made possible by significant investment from governments and companies in the vaccine development process and decades of research on mRNA vaccine technology. These vaccines were as thoroughly vetted for quality and safety as any other vaccine.

Many vaccines are received during childhood, like the polio, chickenpox, and MMR vaccines, but there are others you may need as an adult. The CDC recommends the zoster vaccine, which prevents shingles, for adults ages 50 and older and the pneumonia vaccine for those over 65. Other vaccines may be recommended based on additional factors including job or school requirements, travel, and health conditions. Check in with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

The CDC also recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. New versions of flu vaccines are developed annually in anticipation of circulating flu virus strains, so health experts recommend getting one every year to prepare for cold and flu season. It’s especially important to be proactive about flu vaccination if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic condition such as COPD or diabetes.

For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. If you take medication, we will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up. 

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

From vigilant hand-washing to getting enough vitamin C and D, here are a few ways to give yourself an immunity boost in advance of cold and flu season.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

The leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter, which means it’s time to start preparing for cold and flu season. The flu — shorthand for influenza — is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that affect your nose, throat, and lungs. In the U.S. and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, flu cases typically ramp up toward the end of October and peak between December and February.

One reason the flu spreads more easily during the winter months is that cold air protects the virus as it travels through the air in the form of tiny droplets. The other main reason is that people socialize indoors more frequently, where it’s easier for the flu to spread when someone affected by the virus coughs or sneezes.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to strengthen your immunity. From vigilant hand-washing to getting enough vitamin C and D, here are a few ways to give yourself an immunity boost in advance of cold and flu season.

The number one thing you can do to protect your health and that of your loved ones is to get an annual flu shot, which will prompt your immune system to create antibodies that will defend you against the flu. Medical experts recommend getting the vaccine each and every year. every year.

Keep in mind it can take up to two weeks for the antibodies to provide sufficient protection. Given that flu season often peaks around December, the best time to get vaccinated is during September and October, and ideally no later than the end of October.

The flu can cause more serious health problems for people over the age of 65 and individuals living with chronic conditions such as COPD or diabetes, so it’s even more important to be proactive about flu vaccination if you fall into one of these groups.

Good personal hygiene can lower your risk of getting the cold or flu and spreading it to others. Practice simple preventative measures like frequently washing your hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and keeping a healthy distance from anyone who isn’t feeling well.

And yes, there is a “right way” to wash your hands when it comes to cold and flu prevention. The CDC recommends following the simple steps below to stay healthy and avoid spreading germs.

1. Wet your hands with warm or cold running water and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and beneath your nails. 

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. (Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is one option for timing yourself.)

Get a good night’s sleep and regular exercise

Your body is better prepared to defend against infectious diseases when it’s well-rested. Research has found that sleep can strengthen your T cells’ ability to help you fight infection. (T cells are a specific type of white blood cell and an important part of your immune system.)

To strengthen your immunity, aim for 7 to 9 hours every night. If you’re having difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night, there are some steps you can take to improve the quality of your sleep. Try to follow a consistent schedule: go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends. And avoid consuming heavy meals or caffeine or using electronic devices close to your bedtime.

Staying physically active can also help you sleep better. In fact, exercise may boost your immunity in other ways, too, such as increasing your circulation, which helps white blood cells and antibodies travel to parts of your body where they’re needed. 

Studies have found that U.S. adults tend to exercise less during winter and fall than they do during spring and summer, so be sure that your calendar can still accommodate your fitness routine during the colder months. Whether you explore virtual workout classes or bundle up to brave the cold, aim for about 150 minutes of exercise a week or 30 minutes per day.

Your dietary choices can strengthen your immune system, not only during cold and flu season but all year round. 

Probiotics are tiny organisms that can help you maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system, which will also support your immune system. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir all contain live probiotics, as does greek yogurt. In addition, legumes like chickpeas and lentils contain prebiotics, a type of fiber consumed by probiotics which also contributes to a healthy digestive system.

Oranges, tomatoes, and spinach each offer up plenty of Vitamin C, a powerful nutrient with many health benefits, including the ability to boost immunity and fight inflammation.

You’re automatically exposed to Vitamin D — another crucial immunity-related nutrient — on hot, sunny days, but during winter, it’s extra important to add it to your diet. Sources of Vitamin D include egg yolks, mushrooms, canned tuna, and salmon, which also contains other immunity-boosting nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. There is evidence that taking Vitamin D daily can significantly lower your risk of getting sick with the cold or flu, and you may also consider taking Vitamin D supplements.

Lastly, if you’re feeling under the weather, be sure to drink 6-8 cups of water a day, as you can become dehydrated more easily when sick.

When you’re chronically stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol very frequently. Cortisol helps the body fight inflammation and infection, but its continual release can lessen its effectiveness as part of your immune system. 

Some degree of stress is inevitable, but there are healthy ways to keep it under control, like practicing meditation, exercising, and staying connected to family and friends. If stressors at work or at home feel difficult to manage, your primary care provider can help you find mental health resources. 

In addition, check out free mental health apps like What’s Up?, which helps you manage stress and negative thoughts through a therapy approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Insight Timer, which has a diverse library of free guided meditations.

We’re here to help you navigate this year’s cold and flu season

We hope that the immunity-boosting tips above will help you enjoy a healthy fall and winter. If you do develop flu symptoms, remember to keep others safe by staying home and reporting your symptoms to a doctor as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours to reduce the severity and duration of your illness). And with a strong immune system, you’re likely to be on the mend in no time at all.

Many mild cases of the cold or flu can often be treated with rest and extra self-care, but if your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, we’ll hand-deliver it to your door for free. 

Proactively managing COPD with medication and lifestyle changes can help prevent periods of intensified symptoms, referred to as exacerbations or flare-ups. Here’s more on how to recognize, treat, and prevent COPD flare-ups.

How to Manage and Prevent a COPD Flare-Up

Proactively managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with medication and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the chronic lung disease and prevent periods of intensified COPD symptoms, commonly referred to as exacerbations or flare-ups. 

However, these flare-ups may occur even when closely following your doctor’s individualized treatment plan, especially during the more advanced stages of COPD, so it’s important to have a plan in place to quickly address symptoms. Here’s more on how to recognize, treat, and prevent COPD flare-ups.

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