Appeal for MS sufferers to help

The MS Society is looking for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to provide vital information on how coronavirus is affecting them.

MS damages nerves in the body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.

Having MS alone does not increase your risk of getting Covid-19, but many people with MS are at an increased risk of infection, or severe complications.

Thousands with the condition are classified as extremely vulnerable, and have been asked by the Government to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks.

Morna Simpkins, Director of MS Society Scotland, said:“More than 15,000 people live with MS in Scotland, and we are asking every one of them to join this study to help us understand more about Covid-19.

“There’s so much we don’t know about this virus and only real world data will help us change that.

“This is a worrying and uncertain time for all of us, but many people living with MS are especially vulnerable, and this study will allow us to support them as best we can.”

During the first 24 hours alone, 1174 people with MS completed the questionnaire – including 11 with potential cases of coronavirus – but more people are needed to help researchers fully understand the virus and its impact.

Responses also reveal changes in behaviour in response to Covid-19, and indicate that 90 per cent of people with MS in the UK are currently in self-isolation.

One reason this research must be conducted now is to avoid the issue of recall bias, where memories are affected by any new information learned about how the virus.

To take part, people with MS can visit https://ukmsregister.org.

For the latest information on how people with MS are affected by Covid-19 visit mssociety.org.uk/coronavirus