COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, typically leads to mild or moderate respiratory symptoms, with most people recovering without special care. However, some may become seriously ill and need medical attention. iConquerMS is a powerful tool for collecting lived experiences and data to advance research on how COVID-19 impacts people with MS. Newly published research from studies conducted during the pandemic enhances our understanding of the relationship between MS and COVID-19.
Do I have a higher risk if I have MS?
People with MS don’t seem to be at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.
A 2021 study of 219 people with MS showed they actually had a lower rate of COVID-19 compared to the general population. Results suggest their risk of being hospitalized was higher, though the illness remained mild. The research team concluded that people with MS are not at greater risk of getting COVID-19 or having a severe case than the general population.
Why is COVID-19 more severe in some people with MS?
Having MS doesn’t seem to raise the risk of getting COVID-19, or having serious illness from it, but certain factors might lead to worse outcomes.
A 2021 study of 1,626 people with MS found that lower mobility due to disability was the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Other risks included older age, obesity, heart conditions, and recent corticosteroid use. Researchers observed higher rates of severe outcomes in Black people, possibly due to socioeconomic factors. Overall, people with MS had a higher risk of death from COVID-19 compared to the general population, but investigators stated other factors may have played a role.
Researchers in Texas confirmed these findings. Their results showed that in people with MS, those that couldn’t walk, were older, or had preexisting health conditions were at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
Will my MS medications make COVID-19 worse?
Healthcare professionals typically prescribe disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to treat MS. Some DMTs might increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any concerns about your medications with them.
Italian researchers found that MS medications targeting CD20, a protein on some immune cells, might raise the risk of severe COVID-19. This includes drugs like ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) and rituximab (Rituxan).
A 2022 review of 16 studies on MS, DMTs, and COVID-19 also found that anti-CD20 drugs might increase the risk of severe COVID-19. There was no evidence that other types of MS therapies raised this risk.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with MS?
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with MS. Side effects are similar to those in the general population. Some DMTs may reduce their effectiveness. Talk with your doctor about how to time your vaccine with your medications.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Not only does vaccination lower your risk of contracting the virus, but it also helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
A 2021 study compared COVID-19 vaccine side effects in people with MS to those of the general population. Overall, it found that side effects were similar between the two groups. The most common side effects in people with MS were pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and headache.
iConquerMS’s COVER-MS study shows the frequency of vaccination reactions in people with MS is similar to that reported in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.
iConquerMS is conducting a COVER-MS sub-study looking at the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines at preventing the virus in people with MS. Analysis of these data is underway, stay tuned for the results!
Other ways to reduce your chance of developing COVID-19:
Ask caregivers and others in your household to get vaccinated
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Wear a mask and maintain physical distancing when you‘re out in public
Avoid areas that are very crowded or poorly ventilated
Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home regularly
Is it safe to use COVID-19 medications if you have MS?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid or Veklury, to help limit the severity of COVID-19 illness. If you have MS, talk with your doctor before taking any of these medications to treat COVID-19. They can let you know if the medications are safe to use alongside your DMT therapy.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is a chronic condition that develops after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting for at least three months. It involves a variety of symptoms that may improve, worsen or be ongoing.
Some Long COVID and MS symptoms are the same. These include fatigue, dizziness, numbness and tingling, memory or thinking changes, anxiety and depression.
Who can get Long COVID?
Every time someone is infected with SARS-CoV-2, there’s a risk of developing Long COVID. While it’s more common in people who had severe COVID-19, anyone, including children can get it.
According to the CDC, other groups of people are more likely to develop Long COVID, including:
- Women
- Adults who are 65 or older
- Hispanic and Latino people
- Those who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 illness
- Individuals with underlying health conditions
- People who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine
Health inequities related to disability, income, location, and other social factors affect certain groups more than others. These inequalities increase the risk of poor health and make Long COVID’s effects worse.
Am I more likely to get Long COVID if I’ve got MS?
As mentioned earlier, people with MS are not more likely to develop COVID-19. However, a 2021 study shows that people with MS may recover more slowly and are more likely to experience Long COVID symptoms, especially fatigue. Results suggest having severe neurological or mental health issues may increase this risk. Other common Long COVID symptoms in those with MS include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest heaviness.
On the other hand, Austrian researchers found that most people with MS recover well from COVID-19 with only a small number having ongoing symptoms that usually improve within three to six months. Investigators also state that COVID-19 does not increase the risk of relapse or disability in people with MS.
How can I manage Long COVID symptoms and MS?
Tell your doctor or MS team about any new or changing symptoms so they can help you manage them. Just like MS, Long COVID affects people in different ways, impacting mental and physical health. Adjusting to new symptoms takes time. Making lifestyle changes like eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active can help with recovery. Your doctor or MS team can provide support or may refer you to a long COVID clinic, if needed.
Understanding how COVID-19 affects people with MS is important for managing their health. While MS doesn’t increase the risk of getting COVID-19, it can impact the severity of the illness, especially if mobility or other health issues are present. iConquerMS helps by gathering valuable data and lived experiences to advance research and improve support for those affected. Studies like COVER-MS look at the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines and how to prevent the virus in people with MS. Want to stay informed, learn how to better manage your health and navigate the complexities of living with MS? If you haven’t already, please consider joining iConquerMS today!
