Current evidence shows that simply having MS does not make you more likely than the general population to develop COVID-19, become severely ill or die from the infection.
Having heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly high blood pressure (hypertension) can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Get more information: Heart Disease. American Heart Association: COVID-19.
People with MS should be vaccinated against COVID-19
The science has shown us that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Like other medical decisions, the decision to get a vaccine is best made in partnership with your healthcare provider.
Is MS considered immunocompromised? Not directly. The immune system in people with MS is not weakened or compromised. However, MS medications like steroids and some disease-modifying therapies can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to infection.
Immunocompromise – additional primary dose
A third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months or older with severe immunocompromise who are receiving a 2-dose primary course.
Some people are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) due to a medical condition or from receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments. Learn more about which medical conditions put you at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death.
Immunisation is the same as vaccination. Immunocompromised means that your immune system is weak. This could be because you are sick or have a health condition.
You're more likely to catch a cold or flu virus if you have MS, especially if you take certain medicines that curb your immune system -- your body's defense against germs. And when you get sick with the flu, your MS raises the chances of health problems that may need treatment at your doctor's office or a hospital.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Women with MS outnumber men with the condition by nearly 4 to 1. Women's immune systems work differently from men's. Specifically, women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases. In fact, nearly 7 in 10 people with autoimmune diseases are women.
The ability of vaccines to either cause or exacerbate MS has been evaluated in several studies such as hepatitis B vaccine, tetanus, or influenzas vaccines. However, pooled analysis from multiple studies found no clear evidence to support a causal relationship between the onset of MS and vaccinations.
Conclusion. Overall, the COVID-19 vaccination may trigger relapses in some MS patients, but as the infection itself can stimulate relapse, the benefit of vaccination outweighs its risk in this population, and mass vaccination against COVID-19, especially in MS patients, should be continued and encouraged.
A 2015 study found that high dose vitamin D could affect the immune system. The participants took 10,400 international units (IU) of vitamin every day for six month. This reduced the number of certain immune cells known to cause damage in MS.
Two studies that use large cohorts now highlight that SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to a substantially increased risk of developing a diverse spectrum of new-onset autoimmune diseases. Refers to: Chang, R. et al. Risk of autoimmune diseases in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.
The risk of developing dangerous symptoms of COVID-19 may be increased in people who are older. The risk may also be increased in people of any age who have other serious health problems — such as heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems, obesity, or diabetes.
are 50 years of age or older with 2 risk factors including, neurological disease, chronic lung disease (moderate or severe asthma requiring inhaled steroids), heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease)
As you get older, MS becomes more of a progressive disease. You might notice your MS symptoms start to get worse just as you reach menopause.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of relapses, and slow disease progression.
Factors that may trigger MS include: Exposure to certain viruses or bacteria: Some research suggests that being exposed to certain infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus) can trigger MS later in life. Where you live: Your environment may play a role in your risk for developing MS.
High doses of other vitamins can antagonize your immune-modulating, immunosuppressive therapies used to manage MS. Supplements that stimulate the immune system should be avoided in high doses. Those include selenium, zinc, B1, B2, folic acid, B6, vitamin A, biotin, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Some people who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) are more likely to get sick with COVID-19 or be sick for a longer period. People can be immunocompromised either due to a medical condition or from receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments.
Individuals who are immunocompromised, or have certain other medical conditions, may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection if exposed. There are many different conditions and medications that may lead to a weakened immune system. You should discuss your individual circumstances with your clinician.
If you are immunocompromised, you may not be fully protected even if you are up to date on your vaccines. Wearing a well-fitted mask protects against COVID. Respirators such as KN95 and N95 masks are recommended because they offer higher protection. For more information on masks, click links below from the CDC.