How Do You Get MS? (Theories)
Research into the causes and contributory factors of MS is on-going. There is evidence that the following factors may have some influence.
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Genetic - It is generally accepted that the risk of developing MS increases by 20–40-times if a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) has the disease.
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Geographic - The further away from the equator you live, the greater the risk. This is likely due to decreased vitamin D levels, related to sunlight exposure.
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Viral - The Epstein-Barr virus, which can cause glandular fever and occurs in 80-90% of the general population, is currently strongly implicated in MS.
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Gender - MS affects at least twice as many women​ as it does men, and may even be as high as three times.
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Smoking - There is strong evidence to suggest that smoking can worsen your MS. NICE guidelines suggest that healthcare professionals should advise their patients to stop smoking as there is a risk of quicker progression of MS.
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Birth Month - In the northern hemisphere, the risk of developing MS peaks for those born in May, according to widely-cited research published in the BMJ. This has again been linked to decreased levels of vitamin D during pregnancy over the winter months.
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