Medications do not mix well. The same can be said for vaccines and medications.

I came across a headline like this one today in my quest to determine the topic of my daily article. Was there a reason why people with multiple sclerosis (MS) could not or should not get the coronavirus vaccine? I had heard and read nothing before this article about the vaccine and MS.

The quick answer is MS does not stop or prevent receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

Multiple Sclerosis

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS. MS is an autoimmune disease. The myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibers, is attacked by your immune system. As inflammation increases with the disease’s progression, scar tissue or lesions can form that complicates routine communications from the brain to the rest of the body via nerve bundles.

Symptoms of MS vary and are hard to diagnose. A family member has MS, and it took a couple of years to confirm the disease. The severity of symptoms can change often. Almost everyone with MS reports that fatigue is common. As the disease progresses, numbness in the legs and feet can become more pronounced, along with difficulty balancing. Some people with MS have muscle weakness or spasticity, and a few have difficulty with vision.

COVID-19 Vaccine

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=253518. The National Medical Advisory Committee states that the coronavirus vaccine is safe for people with MS. The vaccine should be strongly considered for patients with progressive MS.

Medicines & COVID-19 Vaccine

https://www.medicinenet.com/immunizations/article.htm. Is the pandemic vaccine entirely safe and effective when taking medicine for MS? Prescription medications can interfere with any other treatment, vaccine or not. Yes, there might be an interference factor, but it is safer to keep taking MS medicines and get vaccinated. Scientists think the vaccine’s potency might be degraded slightly with prescription drugs.

Many older adults have multiple health issues and take more than a couple of prescription drugs. Additionally, their immune systems are challenged. Scientists tell us that the vaccine is highly effective with mixed health issues – diabetes, cardiovascular problems, obesity, and more.

Conclusion

Living with multiple sclerosis is challenging. Add diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems, and life is much more complicated. Do not add coronavirus to the list of current health challenges. Yes, the vaccine might be slightly diminished in its potency, but protection is protection.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com

 

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