The body’s defenses may be mildly lowered for about 1 to 4 weeks after a single steroid shot into a joint or near your spine. In some people, particularly with higher doses, this effect may last up to 6 to 8 weeks or longer. “Lowered” means your body may be a little less ready to fight germs during that window.

Steroids calm inflammation by dialing down part of the immune response. They can also temporarily impact your natural stress response by inhibiting cortisol production. When this happens, your immune system may be less active for some time.

The injection site and type of steroid administration may affect how long your immunity is lowered.

  • Joint injections: Although these are local shots, some medication may reach the bloodstream, potentially lowering immunity as soon as a few hours and for up to four weeks. A 2023 review reported studies that have shown an increased risk of infection within 3months of joint repair surgery for people who received steroid injections.
  • Spine-area (epidural) injections: Most people experience some immune-lowering effects for 2 to 4 weeks after a steroid shot, but it may depend on the dose. A higher dose may suppress immunity for longer.
  • Systemic steroids: When you take steroids by mouth or via a vein (IV), your entire body is exposed to the effects of the medication. Effects on immune cells, such as lymphocytes, can occur within hours and may persist for weeks.

A word of caution

Multiple steroid injection options exist, and each may have a different effect duration in your body. Most steroids are designed for short-term therapy, and their anti-inflammatory effects typically activate within hours.

Although the medication can remain in your body for days or even weeks, this does not mean its effects will stay as strong as they are immediately after administration, nor does it mean your immune system is suppressed for the entire time.

It is highly advisable to speak with your healthcare team about the intensity and duration of steroid injection effects so you can get guidance tailored to your specific situation.

If you receive a joint or spine steroid injection, consider your immunity to be slightly lowered for a few weeks. To reduce the risk of infections, consider:

  • avoiding crowded indoor spaces
  • washing your hands frequently and for at least 30 seconds each time
  • limiting your alcohol and sugar intake
  • using a face mask while you travel on an airplane, boat, train, or bus
  • boosting your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • keeping physically active in whatever way better fits your health status and lifestyle
  • sleeping 7 to 8 hours every day, if possible for you
  • managing stress by engaging in relaxation practices like deep breathing and meditation

If you have oral or IV steroid treatment, ask the prescribing healthcare professional about the immediate effects. Depending on the dosage and frequency of the treatment, you may have a shorter or longer window of lowered defenses.

If you’re planning surgery, timing may matter. Ask your surgeon if having a steroid injection a few days before the procedure could raise infection risk. Waiting a month or more may decrease this risk, but it’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

  • Allow your body a few weeks to recover. Avoid scheduling surgery within 30 days of a steroid shot, if you can.
  • If you’re concerned about suppressed immunity, try to avoid situations with a high risk of infection for at least 4 weeks. These may include being around people with a viral infection, limiting contact with younger children, avoiding social events in indoor spaces, caring for open wounds, and refraining from consuming raw or undercooked foods.
  • Ask a healthcare professional which supplements and medications may interact with the steroid injections, and whether you need to pause them before or after treatment.
  • Keep a list of possible adverse effects of steroid injections and get medical attention if you notice any of these after treatment.