What does Arcturus COVID-19 mean for people with MS?
You might have heard about a new COVID variant called Arcturus. This is what we know so far and what it means for people with MS.
What is the Arcturus variant of COVID-19?
Arcturus is the name given to a new variant of COVID-19 which has already become widespread in India. It’s likely to become common in the UK too. Arcturus is a combination of two versions of the Omicron variant. Omicron is already very widespread in the UK.
Is Arcturus COVID-19 more dangerous?
There are no signs that Arcturus leads to more severe COVID-19, but it does seem to spread more quickly than Omicron.
So if lots of people get it and even a small percentage need care that could add strain to the NHS and social care services.
Will the COVID vaccine protect me from Arcturus?
The current booster vaccines, which have been designed to tackle Omicron, should also be helpful against Arcturus.
Find out if you’re due a COVID-19 vaccine booster
If you’re considered more vulnerable to COVID-19
If you're considered more vulnerable to COVID-19 you might get early treatment if you catch COVID-19.
You might be considered more vulnerable to COVID because, for example, you take certain disease modifying therapies, because of your age, or because of how your MS affects you.
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