The Universe Decided to Send Me A Reminder About COVID. COVID with MS Sucks.

Everyone’s journey with multiple sclerosis is different, and the same goes for how we each respond to treatments like Ocrevus and illnesses like COVID-19. What follows is my personal experience—yours may be different, and that’s okay. Always talk to your healthcare provider about what’s best for you.

Living with multiple sclerosis means you're already navigating a complex, often unpredictable path. Add in a global pandemic, and things can quickly feel even more overwhelming—especially if you're on a disease-modifying therapy like Ocrevus.

Here's What Happened

We traveled home this past weekend for a funeral which means flights there and back. It was going to be an emotional weekend and stressful regardless but on the way home on the plane I turned on some music close my eyes and just kind of relaxed for a few hours. When we landed and I got up my usual/unusual walk turned into something much worse. I shuffled my way up the jet way and close to the end of the jet way I kind of lost some strength in my legs and took a tumble and went face first into the steel of the side of the jetway (that was fun). I feel bad for the poor kid that was walking behind me he probably felt like something was really wrong or I was drunk one of the two. After sitting on the chairs for a while my wife ended up having to ask the gate agent to see if there was a wheelchair around she could use to push me to the car.

I had an inkling that this might be COVID but I wasn't sure if it was too early to test myself. This was a pretty similar start to the condition the last time I had it which may not be totally normal but because of MS nothing really is normal anymore.

By the time I got home I was pretty weak I was really dizzy couldn't see straight so I crawled right into bed and when I woke up the next morning I tried to walk to the bathroom and fell over. I shuffled my way to the couch sat down Didn't leave the couch till early afternoon when I was so weak that I had to slide myself on the hardwood floors to the bathroom.

When my wife got home from work we went to the emergency room and she wheeled me in. I laid down the nurse got me all situated and the tech came in to take some blood and start an IV. I eventually got taken care of. I got a prescription for Paxlovid and it was sent on my way got home started feeling better today already but the doctor just really wasn't doing it for me. I feel like he was more interested in the fact that my blood oxygen was at an appropriate level and that's really the most important thing regardless of the fact that I could hardly walk fell on my face two or three times couldn't eat or drink anything the entire day and was pretty much just a hot mess all day, oh and the fact that I have MS and taking pretty strong immunosuppressing medication but you know none of that apparently really matters. Also I also don't think he actually looked at my chart. There was more that irritated me but I'll stop my complaint there.

OK. End of rant. Onto the fun stuff.

Why Does Ocrevus Make the COVID Situation Worse?

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) works by targeting and depleting B cells, a type of immune cell that plays a key role in MS. It’s an incredibly effective treatment for many people, but because it affects the immune system, it also changes how your body responds to infections—including COVID-19.

Here are some recommendations:

1. Ocrevus May Weaken Your Immune Response to COVID-19

Ocrevus depletes B cells, which are crucial for creating antibodies. That means your body might not produce as strong of a response to vaccines or infections as someone not on this treatment. You can still get COVID-19—even after vaccination—and your ability to fight it off may be compromised. Mask up, wash your hand, take the necessary precautions that we all became accustom to.

2. Vaccination Is Still Strongly Recommended

Even though your immune response may not be as robust, getting vaccinated is still important. According to Ocrevus' official guidance, people on the medication should still get all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters. These shots can still offer some protection and may reduce the severity of illness if you do get infected.

The timing of your vaccine may matter, too. If you’re able, try to get vaccinated or boosted at least 4 weeks before your next Ocrevus infusion to give your immune system a better shot at responding.

3. What to Do If You Get COVID-19 While on Ocrevus

If you start showing symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. There are antiviral treatments, like Paxlovid, that may help shorten the course of illness or reduce the risk of complications. Timing is key—these treatments usually need to be started within a few days of symptom onset.

4. Stay Proactive About Your Health

Even though the world has largely moved on from the early pandemic panic, COVID-19 is still circulating, and for those of us with MS—especially on immunosuppressive treatments—it’s something to take seriously.

Masking in crowded places, keeping up with hand hygiene, and staying up to date on vaccines are still smart, practical ways to reduce your risk. And don’t hesitate to ask friends or family to take extra precautions if you’re seeing them during flu or cold season.