RealTalk MS

One of the things that people affected by MS seem to worry about every year is the flu vaccine. And the question is always the same — is it safe for someone with MS to get a flu shot? This year, that question and its accompanying anxiety are compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it safe for someone with MS to get a flu vaccination during the pandemic? Is it safe for someone with MS to get a COVID-19 vaccination when one becomes available? And what about the impact of MS disease-modifying therapies on the effectiveness of any vaccination?

My guest is Dr. John Ciotti, a board-certified neurologist and clinical fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Ciotti is with us to answer those important questions. We're talking about flu shots and other vaccinations, and we're even talking about how a COVID-19 vaccine — which doesn't exist today — is likely going to affect people with MS who are on disease-modifying therapies. This is a conversation you don't want to miss because the perfect antidote to worrying is getting your hands on good, credible information.

We're also talking about the very positive outcomes of two clinical trials comparing ofatumumab to Aubagio. It's likely that next month, ofatumumab (Arzerra) is going to receive FDA approval for treating MS, so these clinical trial results are something you'll want to know about.

We'll share the results of a study that should give you the most important reason yet to include exercise as part of your regular routine and we'll point you toward the new exercise resources that have been created especially for people living with MS.

The National MS Society conducted a survey to measure how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting people living with MS. We'll share some of the highlights from the survey and we'll even remind you where to find the resources that were requested most by survey respondents.

And we'll tell you about the very first study to measure the incidence of MS in China.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

National MS Society survey measured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with MS 1:54

Clinical trial data shows ofatumumab outperforms Aubagio 4:08

Research shows that exercise preserves key areas of the brain among people with MS 6:53

Research team is first to report the incidence of MS in China 10:00

My Interview with Dr. John Ciotti 12:55

Share this episode 28:25

Please leave a rating & review 28:48

DUNK MS is happening Saturday! 29:01

Please Support the National MS Society COVID-19 Response Fund 29:40

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I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283

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LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Give RealTalk MS a Rating and Review

National MS Society's Ask An MS Expert Video Replay

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Effects of MS Disease-Modifying Therapies On Responses to Vaccinations: A Review

RealTalk MS Episode #148: Updated guidance on COVID-19 and each of the available disease-modifying therapies

STUDY: Ofatumumab vs Teriflunomide in Multiple Sclerosis

STUDY: The Importance of Physical Activity to Preserve Hippocampal Volume in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Structural MRI Study

National MS Society Recommendations for Exercise & Physical Activity For ALL People with MS

VIDEO: Stretching Tips for MS

VIDEO: Aerobic Exercise Tips for MS

VIDEO: Breathing Exercise Tips for MS

STUDY: Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in China: A Nationwide Hospital-Based Study