Q  Is PIMS-TS rare?

A  If describing a condition as rare under the classification of rare diseases, the criteria is less than 1 in 2,000. This is based on all ages, not just the ages that a disease is evident in. Under this classification PIMS is technically a “rare” condition. However, rare diseases by their very definition need greater public awareness.

 

Q Is PIMS-TS infectious?

A  PIMS-TS is a multisystem inflammatory syndrome. It is triggered by COVID-19 infection, but the PIMS reaction to it is not an infection. It is a hyper auto-inflammatory response and some children are genetically more likely to respond this way.

 

Q  Can you get PIMS-TS more than once?

A  As with Kawasaki Disease, it is very unlikely to reoccur after another Covid infection, but not impossible. A couple of cases have been documented.

 

Q  What age group is affected by PIMS-TS?

A  PIMS-TS can affect children and young people of any age up to 21. Above that it would be classed as PIMS-TS in adults. The median age for PIMS-TS is 7 years, which is slightly higher than the median age for Kawasaki Disease.

 

Q  Can my child have a vaccination after PIMS-TS?

A  If your child has been treated with IVIG, it is recommended that they wait 3-6 months before any vaccination. This is because vaccines may not work so well if given soon after IVIG. If your child has been treated with anakinra or tocilizumab, you should wait at least 6 months before they have any live vaccines. PIMS-TS children should wait for 3 months before getting the COVID vaccine. Other guidance is to have the inactivated flu vaccine rather than the nasal spray.

 

Q  Are siblings of a PIMS-TS child more likely to get PIMS?

A  It is thought that PIMS-TS, like Kawasaki Disease involves a genetic predisposition, so it is possible that members of the same family may share this and be at higher risk.

 

Q Are boys or girls more likely to get PIMS?

A  Current research shows that for every 2 girls there are 3 boys with PIMS

 

 

If you have a question that is not answered here, please email us at info@pims-hub.org.uk