Guidelines and tips for avoiding the flu, plus further information from Microsoft involving the flu
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk of serious illness from the flu due to their weakened immune systems. This makes it essential for them to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick, especially during flu season.
The flu can trigger worsening symptoms or relapses in people with MS. Infections like the flu often act as a trigger for MS relapses or symptom exacerbations, causing new or worsening neurological symptoms due to inflammation and damage to nerve fibers that already occur in MS[1].
Preventative measures are crucial for people with MS. The annual flu vaccine is recommended, but only if they are not currently taking steroids or experiencing a relapse. The flu shot reduces the risk of contracting the flu and can lessen its severity if caught despite vaccination[3]. It is recommended to get the flu shot early in flu season and, in some cases, it can be given safely and effectively alongside a COVID-19 booster[3].
For those with MS taking disease-modifying therapy (DMT), it is important to consult a doctor before getting a live virus or live-attenuated vaccination, as these may not be suitable[4].
If a person with MS comes down with the flu, they should consult a doctor to discuss possible treatments. The longer a person with MS has the flu, the more likely they are to experience an MS relapse[2]. A doctor may prescribe medications to help shorten the duration of the flu or at least make symptoms more manageable[5].
To help prevent getting the flu, people with MS can take several measures. They should stay home if sick, avoid close contact with sick people, regularly clean hands, cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, practice appropriate hygiene, and avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eyes[6].
Upper respiratory infections may also trigger a series of immune responses that lead to a relapse in MS. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to help prevent getting the flu each year[6].
For fever relief, people with MS can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)[7]. However, it is essential to consult a doctor to ensure there will be no interactions between these medications and their MS treatments.
In summary, the flu can have a significant impact on people with MS, potentially causing worsening symptoms or relapses. Preventative flu vaccination is essential for reducing the risk of serious illness and symptom worsening, and people with MS should consult a doctor at the beginning of cold and flu season to discuss when it is safe to get a flu shot[1][3]. Additionally, people with MS should rest as much as possible, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and take all necessary precautions to avoid getting sick.
- Due to weakened immune systems, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a higher risk of severe illness from the flu.
- The flu can lead to worsening symptoms or relapses in people with MS, as infections often act as triggers for MS relapses or symptom exacerbations.
- Preventative measures are crucial for people with MS, with the annual flu vaccine being recommended if they are not currently taking steroids or experiencing a relapse.
- For those with MS taking disease-modifying therapy (DMT), it is important to consult a doctor before getting a live virus or live-attenuated vaccination.
- If a person with MS contracts the flu, they should consult a doctor to discuss possible treatments and medications to manage symptoms.
- People with MS can prevent getting the flu by staying home if sick, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, regularly cleaning hands, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, practicing appropriate hygiene, and avoiding touching the nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Upper respiratory infections might trigger a series of immune responses that can lead to a relapse in MS, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures.
- For fever relief, people with MS can use over-the-counter pain relievers; however, consultation with a doctor is necessary to ensure there will be no interactions with their MS treatments.
- Science and medical professionals recommend that people with MS rest, stay hydrated, and take all necessary precautions to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season, with the flu vaccine being a vital part of their health-and-wellness routine, alongside fitness-and-exercise, mental-health management, nutrition, and possibly CBD use, depending on individual health needs and recommendations from their doctors.
