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Autoimmune Crossroads: What Long COVID and Vaccinations Mean for People with Multiple Sclerosis

  • Writer: Joe Weber
    Joe Weber
  • Jul 2
  • 3 min read
Illustration of a human profile with highlighted neurons, a COVID virus icon, vaccine vial and syringe, and a shield with a checkmark, representing the connection between Multiple Sclerosis, Long COVID, and vaccines.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has always sat at the complex intersection of the immune system, environmental factors, and viral triggers. Lately, the global conversation around Long COVID and vaccine safety has put this intersection under the microscope like never before.

If you’re living with MS, you may have wondered: Does a COVID infection raise my risk for new relapses? How safe are repeated vaccinations if I’m immunosuppressed? What does the latest research actually say? Let’s unpack where science stands and what it means for your health decisions.

How Viral Triggers Influence MS: The Epstein-Barr Connection

For decades, scientists suspected that viruses might play a role in kickstarting MS in people who are genetically predisposed. One of the biggest breakthroughs came in 2022, when a landmark Harvard study confirmed a near-certain link between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and increased MS risk.

The theory is that certain viruses, like EBV, can “wake up” the immune system in a way that leads it to mistakenly attack the protective myelin around your nerves. This is why so many researchers are now looking at whether COVID-19 could have a similar long-term effect.

Long COVID & MS: What We Know So Far

Long COVID refers to lingering symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, neuropathy — that persist weeks or months after an initial COVID infection. These symptoms can look eerily similar to common MS challenges. But does COVID actually make MS worse or increase the risk of new lesions?

Here’s what the evidence says so far:

  • No strong link to increased relapse rates: Early studies suggest that while COVID infections can temporarily worsen symptoms (called pseudo-relapses), they don’t seem to cause lasting MS progression in most people.

  • Inflammatory overlap: People with MS may experience heightened fatigue and cognitive issues post-COVID due to the body’s amplified inflammatory response.

  • Higher caution for immunosuppressed patients: If you’re on a DMT that suppresses immune function, you may be more vulnerable to severe COVID complications, which is why prevention and early treatment matter.

The bottom line? Long COVID symptoms can overlap with MS, so talk to your neurologist about any changes in fatigue, brain fog, or new neurological sensations that persist after an illness.

Vaccinations & MS: Are Boosters Safe?

Another big question is whether vaccines — especially repeated COVID boosters — pose any risk to MS stability.

Good news here: Large studies and ongoing registries show that mRNA vaccines are generally safe for people with MS, including those on immunomodulatory therapies. A few things to keep in mind:

  • No evidence of increased relapses: COVID vaccines do not appear to trigger new lesions or relapses.

  • Timing matters: Some DMTs can blunt your immune response to vaccines. Your neurologist may advise getting vaccinated at a certain point in your treatment cycle to help your body build stronger protection.

  • Side effects vs. disease activity: Some people report mild symptom flares (fatigue, headache, fever) for a day or two after a shot, but these are temporary and not true MS progression.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s what you can do to stay ahead of these evolving risks:

  • Stay up to date on vaccines: Talk to your MS care team about which vaccines — COVID boosters, flu shots, shingles — make sense for you and when to get them.

  • Monitor your symptoms: Keep a journal of any new or worsening symptoms, especially after an infection or vaccination, and share it with your neurologist.

  • Practice healthy habits: Get quality sleep, eat well, and manage stress to help your immune system function at its best.

The Bottom Line

Autoimmune cross-research is showing us that viruses and vaccinations can affect people with MS in unique ways, but the big takeaway is hopeful: staying protected and informed is your best line of defense.

As science keeps uncovering the complex links between viral triggers like EBV, Long COVID, and MS, more personalized care and better prevention strategies are on the horizon.

Have you experienced COVID while living with MS? How did it affect you? Share your story — your experience could help others feel less alone.

Looking for trusted MS resources or support? Reach out to your healthcare team or organizations like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for up-to-date guidance.

 
 
 

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