Summary Summary Short summary of a recent publication, written by scientific experts. Published: 02 Dec 2022

Can pollution increase COVID-19 severity in people with multiple sclerosis?

Takeaway

  • Higher exposure to environmental pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2) is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 (presence of pneumonia) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and PM2.5 and NO2 are the biggest contributors of risk.

Why this matters

  • Air pollution has been linked to more severe COVID-19, leading to pneumonia in the general population as well as being associated with the incidence of MS and MS relapses.

  • Awareness of the health risks brought by modifiable factors such as air pollution exposure in at-risk populations should lead to measures to better safeguard them.