Coronavirus Risk for
People Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS
itself does not increase the risk of getting COVID-19. However, certain factors
associated with your MS may increase your risk for complications:
- Chronic medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, smoking and asthma
- Significantly restricted mobility, such as needing to spend most of your day seated or in bed
- Age 65 or older
- Possibly taking certain disease modifying therapies that deplete immune system cells
- Severe obesity or BMI higher than 40
- Living in a long-term care facility
Sometimes,
the body’s response to infections, including COVID-19, may cause a temporary
worsening of MS symptoms. Typically, these symptoms settle down once the
infection clears up. If you are experiencing new MS symptoms or have any
concerns about any of your MS symptoms, please contact your MS healthcare
provider.
Protecting Yourself
from Coronavirus
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommendations on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19
and what to do if you show symptoms.
Working and
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
MS
Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers who treat people
living with MS can find additional information in our Professional Resource Center.
Healthcare
Workers Who Have MS
- There is no increased risk of you getting COVID-19 because you have MS.
- If you are concerned about your risk of getting COVID-19 because of the DMT you take, please contact your MS provider for advice.
- There are no special PPE instructions for people with MS. You should follow the same precautions as other healthcare workers. If you are concerned about your risk due to your DMT, please contact your MS provider for advice.
Employee
Rights
There are many protections that could
be available to you if your employer is not being flexible with work from home
options or workplace accommodations. Visit our employment resources page to learn more or contact an MS Navigator to
discuss your individual rights and options.
Children with MS
There
is no specific advice for children with MS; they should follow the advice above
for all people with MS. The CDC has specific recommendations for children
and COVID-19.
Pregnancy
At
this time there is no specific advice for women with MS who are pregnant. There
is general information on COVID-19 and pregnancy on the CDC website.
Additional Resources
