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8. Flu-Like Symptoms
Fatigue, low-grade fever and a vague feeling of discomfort are not uncommon in the early stages of RA. You may feel weak and unmotivated, and your mouth and eyes may feel dry, too. Sometimes these symptoms will come and go, or they could hang around for an extended period of time – signs that your body is in a state of inflammation.
If your fever is under 100°F and you also notice some pain and swelling in your joints, an RA flare may be right around the corner, and you should consult with a rheumatologist. On the other hand, a fever above 100°F typically points to an illness or infection, so track your symptoms closely in order to help your doctor reach the right diagnosis.
While an early diagnosis is important for any type of arthritis, it’s especially crucial for RA to be confirmed and treated as soon as possible. The longer you go without targeted treatment, the more harm your autoimmune response will cause – some aggressive forms of RA can permanently damage joints within one year. When you know what to look for, you stand a much better chance of catching the disease early and your rheumatologist can help you slow the progression of the disease.
Read more about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms over at NewLifeOutlook.
There are several reasons why pain occurs with rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and pain here.
