As I sit here battling some kind of head and chest thing—complete with a sore throat and a constantly stuffy nose—I can’t help but think, what better time to explore the challenges of being sick while living with multiple sclerosis (MS)?
For those of us with MS, getting sick isn’t just an inconvenience; it can send our symptoms into overdrive and make recovery feel like climbing a mountain. Throw in treatments like Ocrevus, which impact the immune system, and it’s clear why this topic deserves attention.
How Being Sick Affects MS
MS symptoms often worsen when the body is fighting off an illness. This phenomenon, called a pseudo-exacerbation, isn’t a true MS relapse but can feel like one. Fever, dehydration, and fatigue caused by a virus or infection can intensify existing MS symptoms like muscle weakness, balance issues, or brain fog. For me, something as minor as a common cold can bring on more tingling in my arms and hands or make my balance even more off.
Recovery can also take longer. Because MS already places stress on the body, adding an illness into the mix means your immune system has to work harder to heal. This is especially true for those of us taking disease-modifying therapies like Ocrevus.
How Ocrevus Affects the Immune System
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a powerful medication that helps slow MS progression and reduce relapses, but it does so by modifying the immune system. Specifically, Ocrevus targets and depletes B-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune response. These B-cells are part of the problem in MS because they mistakenly attack the myelin sheath that protects our nerves.
By reducing the number of B-cells, Ocrevus helps calm the immune system and decrease MS activity. However, this also means that your body may be less equipped to fight off infections. With fewer B-cells around, your immune system isn’t as robust, making it easier to catch a bug and potentially harder to recover.
For me, this has meant being extra cautious during cold and flu season. I’ve become vigilant about handwashing, avoiding crowded spaces, and making sure I’m up to date on vaccinations, like the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters.
Tips for Staying Healthy While on Ocrevus
While we can’t completely avoid getting sick, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk and make recovery smoother:
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and phones.
Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe for you while on Ocrevus. Most live vaccines are not recommended, but inactive ones can provide important protection.
Listen to Your Body: Rest is crucial. When you feel run down, don’t push through it—take time to recover.
Boost Your Immune System with Nutrition: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Staying hydrated is equally important.
Stay Connected with Your Healthcare Team: If you do get sick, reach out to your neurologist or primary care doctor. They can help determine whether an infection needs additional attention, especially since some infections can mimic MS symptoms.
Finding Balance
Being sick while living with MS and taking Ocrevus adds a layer of complexity, but it’s not insurmountable. Understanding how your medication affects your immune system and taking proactive steps to support your health can make a big difference. For me, it’s about being mindful of my limits, staying informed, and asking for help when I need it.
If you’re living with MS and have tips for managing illness or want to share your experiences with Ocrevus, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can navigate these challenges and support each other in staying as healthy and strong as possible.
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