Flare????? | Arthritis Information

I'm fairly new at this, and I'm wondering if I'm beginning to go into a "flare" or just the flu? I have very stiff and swollen hands (as usual), but have added a sorethroat, headache, and just overall feeling very yucky! Rheumy recently dc'd my plaquenil as he has put me on Azulfidine. I'm not seeing a lot of change in my joints, but he said that it might take a while?

Anyway, I'm just wondering how to differentiate the flu from a flare? Thanks, and take care!

LAZ

Its my experience that RA can feel like the flu. Many of the descriptions include "flu-like" symptoms. The ones I am used to are: slight fever, chills and body aches. I am not too sure that a sore throat is involved with the usual flu-like symptoms. I could be wrong, but that is new to my RA. But stiff and swollen hands are most likely a RA symtpom. You might be having both - a flu and a flare - it is that season again. Hope you feel better.

If it is the Flu my husband usually catches from me, and if it is a Flare he doesn't!

Not really funny, but it is true.

I get a sore throat, but I think my allergies act up with my flares, and that just throws a whole new stick in the spokes. :/ So maybe not? You sound like how I feel though. :(

I can tell the difference because I always have a high fever with the flu, not with a flare. It might be slightly elevated some times with a flare, but never has high as the flu. My headaches with the flu are also more intense than with a flare.

Basically, for me, my "flu-like" feelings with a flare are not as intense as with a true flu.

I was on Azlfidine - worked okay but only for 6 months. Then I went on MTX which I was terrified of and I have been symptom free for 9 months.
Why are you not on MTX??
Karoo
Actually it is just a bit early for the Flu season to start, which is usually in late October. It is starting early this year, we just got our first dx'd case in TX. But most likely it is a flare. YOu can get a sore throat with a flare, and even hoarseness. Swelling in the throat and all of that good stuff. YOu can google "RA and sore throat" to get some info on it. Treat your symptoms with anti-inflammatory meds, but if you develope a cough, difficulty breathing, nasal drainage or congestion, or fever (even though that can come with RA) call your doctor. An increase in liquids wont hurt either.

My RA reminds me of the flu because I get the muscle aches. Makes me want to moan and groan. I also always have swollen lymph glands and most days a sore throat. Anyone else?