11 Autoimmune Disease Care Tips for Long-Term Health

8. Stay on top of preventive care and infection protection

People with autoimmune disease may have a higher infection risk depending on treatments and immune status, so preventive care matters. Follow clinician recommendations for vaccinations; timing matters for some therapies, so discuss vaccine schedules with your specialist. Seasonal flu shots and other routine vaccines help reduce avoidable illness, and simple habits—hand hygiene, avoiding crowded spaces during high-risk seasons—add protection. If you’re taking immune-suppressing medications, ask whether household members should update their vaccines and what exposures you should avoid. Travel plans may require additional precautions; check destination-specific guidance with your provider well before departures. Good preventive care reduces interruptions to treatment plans and lowers the chance of infection-triggered flares, helping you maintain steady health over time.