Why the Flu Shot Is Strongly Recommended for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Doctors say that getting a flu shot is especially important for individuals with MS. “The flu infection may stimulate the immune system, which may in turn trigger an MS attack,” said Dr. Robert Shin, director of the Georgetown Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center.

So, what is the connection between MS and the flu? According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), MS relapses or flare-ups come in waves for over 80% of MS patients. While it remains unclear as to what exactly causes these relapses, doctors say that factors such as infection, illness or stress may increase risk of an MS relapse.

One potential factor associated with the increased risk of an MS relapse is the flu, a respiratory illness that is caused by a few influenza viruses, including influenza A or B. “When you see flu outbreaks, you see MS relapses,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist with the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security.

The flu and MS relapse

For years now, researchers have known that the flu can affect the immune system and cause an MS relapse. “The immune system fends off whatever causes the infection. For people with MS, the immune activation spills into the central nervous system. So, all T cells, even the ones not related to infection, may be activated. It’s like there’s an alarm bell,” said Dr. Adalja. However, the mechanism for this activation was only recently discovered by researchers. “Certain genes are turned on that allow more immune cells to make it from other parts of the body into the central nervous system and cause damage characteristic of MS,” added Dr. Adalja.

Due to the connection between MS relapses and the flu, doctors recommend that MS patients take extra precautions when it comes to flu prevention. Protection is vital, as the virus can spread easily when an individual with the flu sneezes, coughs or talks. According to health experts, getting a flu shot is the first recommended precaution to take. “This can help keep you from getting influenza and from getting relapses of MS, which can have deleterious effects on their quality of life,” said Dr. Adalja. There are several different types of flu shots but most doctors recommend that MS patients get the quadrivalent vaccine that covers 4 different strains of the flu. “There’s emerging data that the recombinant quadrivalent vaccine called Flublok has more protection,” said Dr. Adalja. Still, it is important that you consult with your doctor before getting any type of flu shot.

Can the flu shot make you sick?

As to whether it can make you ill, Dr. Shin states that this is a myth. “Sometimes people blame vaccinations for making them ill, but remember that the flu shot does not contain any live flu virus, so infection really is impossible. I do recommend that MS patients avoid the nasal spray form of the vaccine, however, because it contains live virus,” he said. The NMSS also does not recommend the nasal spray for MS patients.

Read on to learn more about MS and the flu.