This is according to a recent study published by Arthritis Research Canada which finds autoimmune arthritis patients are 30 per cent more likely to be hospitalized and be in ICU and are 60 per cent more likely to be on a ventilator.

The study is especially relevant in the north as the organization’s Doctor Antonio Avina-Zubieta says people living in rural and northern areas are more likely to be diagnosed with an autoimmune rheumatic disease compared to those living in larger urban centres.

He adds Indigenous people are more likely to be diagnosed than non-Indigenous people.

Arthritis Research Canada says the study indicates public health should keep the chronically ill top of mind as they formulate future COVID-19 policies, especially when it comes to vaccination.