COVID-19 Information

We have received many questions regarding the current Coronavirus pandemic with COVID-19, and understand your concerns. We’d like to keep you informed throughout this crisis as best we can, and are providing this update with some information for our patients about COVID-19.

This information and guidance comes from our medical team at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at University of Colorado. Coronaviruses are a large class of viruses, which can cause the common cold. COVID-19 is a new variant of Coronavirus, different enough from others that our immune systems have not seen this virus before, resulting in more severe infections in some patients than what we typically see with the common cold. We are still learning much about this virus.

• COVID-19 Vaccines, Additional Shots, and Boosters: FAQ (Jan. 26, 2022)
• Vaccines and Booster Guidance for MS Patients on Disease Modifying Therapies (Jan. 26, 2022)
• Video Update with Dr. Enrique Alvarez (Jan. 7, 2022):

COVID-19 and MS Drugs

>> FOR OUR PATIENTS WHO USE MS DRUGS OR OTHER DRUGS THAT SUPPRESS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM:

These include Ocrevus, Rituxan, Tysabri, Lemtrada, Gilenya, Mayzent, Cladribine, Tecfidera, and Vumerity.

You may be at greater risk of infection with coronavirus, or other infections. And the infections could be more severe, last longer, or have slightly different effects in you. This is true for all infections while taking medications that suppress the immune system. However, many patients on these drugs may well still have the typical mild version of COVID-19 or other infection. The spectrum of illness in those with suppressed immune systems remains mostly unknown, except that older age is clearly a risk for worse disease.

At this point, risks do not appear to be higher in MS patients. Outcomes appear to be the same as for other COVID-19 patients even if treated with immunosuppressing medications. Our team is participating in frequent calls to learn from our colleagues around the world including weekly from the International Women in MS group. We will continue to update this page with any new information.

Quick Facts

>> Protecting Yourself and Others

Here’s how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the flu, and other viruses, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE):

>> What’s the risk if I do catch COVID-19?

For most people, COVID-19 is a mild infection or does not result in any symptoms. There is no specific medication or vaccination for COVID-19. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms while your body fights the infection.

If you have MS and get an infection – be it COVID-19, flu, cold, a bladder infection, stomach upset or any other bug or virus – the way your body deals with the infection (for example a fever) can cause a temporary worsening of MS symptoms. These tend to be a worsening of your “usual” symptoms and are particularly common if you develop a fever. We often refer to this as a pseudo-relapse. Once you’ve recovered from the infection, your MS symptoms will settle down.

If you are older than 60, or your MS is more severe (for example if you are wheelchair-bound or bed-bound), you may have a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19 or other infections. If you find it difficult to clear your lungs, there’s an increased risk of a cold or flu developing into a more serious chest infection such as pneumonia.

>> Testing for COVID-19

If you feel you may need testing for COVID-19, please call your primary care provider first. People need to meet the test criteria in order for a doctor to give them an order since the testing can only be done on a limited number of cases daily. More information about testing in Colorado can be found on CDPHE’s website here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-in-colorado/about-covid-19/testing-for-covid-19