I posted earlier a link to Dr. Vollmer, Director of the Rocky Mountain MS
Center answering questions about the swine flu. I recently found out that the
link I posted is goofed up so I'm just posting the text of the questions.....
As follows....
Swine Flu and MS: A question and answer with Dr. Vollmer
In the last week, swine flu has been a frequently discussed topic, and
many people with MS have questions. Dr. Vollmer, Medical Director of
the Rocky Mountain MS Center, has agreed to clarify some of these
questions and issues as they relate to people with MS.
Are people with MS more likely to experience complications from flu?
People on chronic immunosuppressive therapy may be more susceptible to
developing serious infections. Similarly, people who are more severely
affected with MS, especially those who have limited mobility, may be
more at risk of harm from respiratory complications. But otherwise,
most people with MS are not more likely to develop serious infections.
Another special consideration for people with MS is that infection with
swine flu, like the seasonal flu, may increase the risk of an MS
exacerbation. Are treatments for swine flu available?
Yes, laboratory testing on these swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so
far indicate that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are
effective. Based on experience with seasonal flu, these drugs are more
effective if used within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
Should people with MS who get swine flu be treated with antiviral therapy?
Probably. As stated above, people with MS may be at more risk from flu
infection. Discussing these factors with your primary care physician is
a good idea and together you can make a decision about being treated
with an antiviral therapy.
Are there any special precautions that people with MS should take?
Generally, no. However, it is certainly important for people with MS to
follow basic hygiene principles, including frequent hand washing,
coughing or sneezing into a tissue, not touching your eyes, nose or
mouth, and avoiding close contact with possibly infected people. Taking
these preventative measures greatly reduces all people’s chances of
getting the flu – including those with MS – as swine flu is passed from
person to person.
What if someone with MS does not have symptoms of flu but has been
exposed to a person who is known to be infected with swine flu?
In some situations, antiviral therapies can be used to prevent
infection in people who have been exposed to the virus. This preventive
use of antivirals may be considered when someone has been in close
contact (within six feet) with a person who has a confirmed case of
swine flu. Additionally, those MS patients who have other health
problems, such as heart disease, may be candidates for prophylactic
therapy if exposed to probable infected cases.
If an MS patient thinks he/she may have contracted swine flu (fever, aches and
pains), what should he/she do?
See your primary physician. Because antiviral therapies are more
effective when used early, it important to consult your primary
physician soon after you begin to experience symptoms. Generally, these
drugs are most effective if started within 48 hours of onset of
symptoms.
Should injectable MS therapies or Tysabri be discontinued?
No. You should continue to follow your physician’s treatment recommendations.
Do you have any other recommendations for MS patients?
At this point in time, practicing good hygiene is the most effective
measure you can take to avoid the swine flu, particularly frequent hand
washing or use of hand disinfectants, and avoiding close contact with
individuals with cough or other symptoms suggestive of the flu.
The good news is that the swine flu may turn out not to be an
especially virulent virus. For more general information on swine flu,
including its incubation period, patterns of infection, symptoms, and
more information about specific treatments, visit the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention’s website: www.cdc.gov
