The role of viral infections in causing exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis is well known. Potential safety concerns about using immunosuppressive MS disease modifying therapies (DMTs) during the COVID-19 pandemic are overstated, according to most MS experts.
A new large community-based study found that 57% of people with MS and COVID-19 experience an MS exacerbation during their infection, including 20% who develop new MS symptoms. Taking a DMT reduces that risk by 44%, about the same as the overall relapse rate reduction of many DMTs.
These findings highlight the urgency of protecting people with MS with the overwhelmingly safe COVID-19 vaccines. It is also important not to delay or alter treatment of their currently effective DMTs.
Adapted from the article by Garjani et al in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2021.
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