Precautions for Colds & Flu When Taking Humira for Crohn's

How Colds and Flu Interact With Humira for Crohn's Disease

Humira (adalimumab) is a common biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease. It works by suppressing the immune system to control inflammation. However, this also leaves users more vulnerable to infections like the common cold and flu.

If you take Humira for Crohn's disease, it's important to understand how colds and flu may affect you differently than the general population. With some precautions, you can stay healthy through cold and flu season.

How Humira Affects the Immune System

Humira is a TNF-alpha inhibitor. It blocks the activity of TNF-alpha, a protein that triggers inflammation in autoimmune conditions like Crohn's, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

By suppressing excess inflammation, Humira helps manage Crohn's symptoms and induce remission. However, TNF-alpha also plays a key role in the normal immune response.

Humira makes it harder for the body to mount immune defenses against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. This includes the viruses that cause colds and flu.

Increased Infection Risk With Humira

Research shows that Humira and other biologics raise the risk of viral and bacterial infections compared to the general population.

One study found that Crohn's patients on anti-TNF therapy were over 3 times more likely to get the flu. They were also twice as likely to come down with common colds and sinus infections.

Another study reported anti-TNF users were nearly 5 times more prone to viral infections affecting the lungs and airways.

The immune-weakening effects of Humira likely compound the already higher susceptibility those with Crohn's have to infections.

Precautions When Taking Humira

If you use Humira, take sensible precautions to lower your infection risk:

• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Wash hands frequently
• Disinfect shared surfaces
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Maintain healthy habits like diet, exercise and sleep

It's also vital to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including the annual flu shot.

How Colds Affect Those Taking Humira

Colds are mild viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Over 200 viruses can cause the common cold, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.

For otherwise healthy adults, cold symptoms are annoying but not serious. However, colds may hit those on Humira harder and last longer.

More Severe Cold Symptoms

Research shows that people taking anti-TNF biologics report more severe and persistent cold symptoms compared to the general public or Crohn's patients not on biologics.

In one study, Crohn's patients on Humira had colds that lasted over 2 weeks longer than those not taking biologics. They also ranked their cold symptoms as more severe.

Due to the suppressed immune system, the body has a harder time fighting off cold viruses in those on Humira. Viruses can multiply more rampantly, causing worse symptoms.

Higher Risk of Complications

Worsening cold symptoms also raise the chances of developing complications in Humira users.

One study found those on anti-TNF therapy had 4 times the risk of acute sinusitis following a cold compared to Crohn's patients not on biologics.

Bacterial infections may also piggyback on viral colds, as the weakened immune system has trouble fending off secondary invaders. This includes conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections or strep throat.

Longer Recovery Time

With impaired immunity, it also takes longer to recover from a cold while on Humira. Lingering viral shedding can prolong cold symptoms in Humira users.

One analysis found that colds lasted 22 days for Crohn's patients on biologics, compared to just 8 days for Crohn's patients not on immunosuppressants.

Plan for a slow recovery, staying home to rest and recover until all symptoms resolve.

How the Flu Interacts With Humira

Like colds, the flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory viral infection. But flu viruses and symptoms tend to be more severe than colds.

Humira users face higher chances of contracting the flu. And flu complications can be especially hazardous.

Increased Flu Risk

Several studies have confirmed that people taking Humira and similar medications have around a 3-5 times greater risk of developing the flu compared to the overall population.

One study followed over 8000 Crohn's patients. Those using biologics like Humira had flu incidence rates 3 times higher than biologic-free patients.

So if the flu is going around, those on Humira are statistically much more likely to catch it.

Higher Complication Rates

One study of veterans found that those on anti-TNF drugs were over 25 times more likely to be hospitalized for flu complications than the general veteran population.

Pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis and ear infections occurred at significantly higher rates following the flu in Humira users.

Other research shows those on anti-TNF therapy take nearly a month longer to recover from flu than people not on biologics.

Increased Mortality Risk

For most healthy adults, the flu rarely leads to death. However, mortality rates are significantly higher among those with compromised immunity.

One study found the flu mortality rate in immunosuppressed inflammatory bowel disease patients was 7 times higher than the general population's rate.

So the flu poses special risks to those taking medications that weaken the immune system.

Precautions for Colds & Flu With Humira

Those using Humira for Crohn's can stay healthy by taking judicious precautions when colds and flu are circulating:

Get Vaccinated

Getting an annual flu shot is critically important. It reduces the chances of contracting the flu by 40-60% in the general population.

The flu vaccine is inactive, so it's safe for Humira users. Ask your doctor about other vaccine recommendations.

Avoid Sick Contacts

Be extra vigilant about avoiding people with cold or flu symptoms. Wash hands frequently and sanitize shared surfaces.

Watch for Signs

Monitor yourself for fever, cough, sore throat, body aches. Call your doctor at the first signs of illness.

Rest & Recover

Get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Let your body direct its resources towards fighting infection.

Consider Treatment Options

For colds, symptom relief may help. For the flu, antiviral medication may be prescribed. Discuss options with your doctor.

Adjust Medication Regimen

Your doctor may advise adjusting or pausing Humira until you recover. Never alter medication without medical guidance.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop:

• Fever over 100.4F
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Face or sinus pain
• Earaches
• Unusual mucus color
• Symptoms lasting over 2 weeks

Prompt medical care can prevent complications and help you recover safely.

Preventing Colds & Flu While on Humira

Prevention is the best medicine when taking immunosuppressive drugs. Here are some key prevention strategies:

Receive All Recommended Vaccines

Vaccines train the immune system to recognize viruses to prevent future illness. Discuss your vaccine plan with your doctor.

Wash Hands Frequently

Wash often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially during cold and flu season.

Avoid Touching Face

Viruses often enter through the eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid touching your face when out in public.

Clean & Disinfect Surfaces

Use disinfecting wipes and sprays to sanitize doorknobs, counters, keyboards and shared items.

Improve Overall Health

Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress levels, and get enough sleep to support your immune system.

Choose Activities Wisely

Avoid large crowds when cold and flu cases are high. Opt for small gatherings or outdoor activities.

Humira Use During & After Illness

Always consult your doctor about Humira use when sick. Here are some general guidelines:

During Illness

• Your doctor may advise to stop Humira until recovered.
• Never alter medication dose or timing without medical approval.
• Avoid public spaces to prevent spreading illness.
• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
• Discuss over-the-counter symptom relief with your pharmacist.

After Illness

• Isolate until all symptoms resolve, especially fever.
• Discuss with your doctor when to safely restart Humira.
• Watch for recurrence of symptoms, which may indicate further recovery is needed.
• Slowly ease back into normal activities and exercise.

The Bottom Line

Humira can make you more prone to viral infections like colds and flu due to suppressed immunity. Take preventive measures, recognize signs early, and work closely with your healthcare providers, especially when illness strikes.

With some thoughtful precautions, those using Humira can stay happy and healthy even during the height of cold and flu season.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.