ISLAMABAD, July 17 (Online): SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19, is highly contagious, especially through close personal contact.
Although anyone can get it, most people who become severely ill or die from COVID-19 have serious underlying illnesses. Because the disease is new, researchers have not performed any specific research on multiple sclerosis (MS) and COVID-19.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there is no evidence that people with MS face a higher risk of COVID-19.
However, people who need to attend regular medical appointments may be at greater risk of exposure to the virus. Some MS symptoms may make people more vulnerable to serious COVID-19 symptoms.
Having MS does not necessarily increase the risk of contracting the virus or developing complications from COVID-19.
MS slowly damages nerves, which interferes with the brain’s ability to communicate with the muscles. This can affect many aspects of daily life, including movement.
People with advanced MS may have severe mobility issues.
Mobility issues may complicate COVID-19 in several ways:
- A person who is sedentary or who spends most of their time lying down or sitting in a wheelchair may suffer other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease ordiabetes. Both of these conditions may increase a person’s chances of developing COVID-19.
- Spending most of the day lying down or in bed may cause respiratory secretions to accumulate. This can cause breathing problems and aspiration pneumonia, which may intensify the effects of COVID-19.
- The body’s natural immune response to infections may make other symptoms of MS worse, including breathing and mobility issues.
Some people with MS develop breathing or lung health issues. This can happen when a person is no longer able to control the muscles that support breathing.
MS may also make it more difficult to clear the mucus and other fluids in the airway, which might increase the risk of pneumonia.
Some MS medications may also affect breathing, especially opioids and certain other pain medicines. These drugs may slow breathing.
People with lung or breathing issues due to MS may be more likely to develop COVID-19 complications, though no specific research has examined this hypothesis.
Because MS is an autoimmune disease, many MS drugs target the immune system.
Some immunomodulating drugs also weaken the immune system. People who take these medications may have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 and experiencing prolonged and more severe infections.
There is no evidence that people with MS should stop taking their medication.
Doing so may make MS symptoms worse and may increase a person’s vulnerability to severe infections. People with MS must discuss medication options with a neurologist or other doctor.
COVID-19 can be scary, especially for people with other medical conditions. It is essential to take the risk seriously. The best way to remain safe is to reduce the chances of contracting the virus by following all hygiene and other safety guidelines.
However, even among the highest risk groups, most people recover. There is no evidence that people with MS are more likely to get COVID-19 than anyone else.
People should continue taking their MS medication and contact a doctor as soon as possible if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
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