Are you wondering if you might have long COVID-19?
If you have MS, you may be more likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Research shows that about 30 percent of people with MS had symptoms lasting four weeks or longer after COVID-19 infection, and around 12 percent experienced symptoms beyond 12 weeks.
Common Show Full Answer
Are you wondering if you might have long COVID-19?
If you have MS, you may be more likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Research shows that about 30 percent of people with MS had symptoms lasting four weeks or longer after COVID-19 infection, and around 12 percent experienced symptoms beyond 12 weeks.
Common long COVID symptoms that people with MS have reported include:
* New or worsened fatigue
* Lower respiratory tract symptoms
* New muscle pain
* Gastrointestinal effects
* Changes in smell or taste
* Fever
* Headache
People with MS who had pre-existing severe neurologic impairment or mental health problems appear to have a higher risk of developing long COVID.
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help develop a tailored rehabilitation plan and determine if treatments like nirmatrelvir-ritonavir might help reduce your risk of long COVID if you catch COVID-19 again in the future.
Staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of severe complications and long COVID, especially if you're on disease-modifying therapies.
January 28