Guillain-Barre Syndrome & the Flu Vaccine
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves causing weakness and numbness. In 1976, there was an increased risk of getting GBS after getting the swine flu vaccine. Since then, many studies have been done to see if the flu vaccine causes GBS.
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Considerations
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Anyone can get GBS, but it is more common in adults than children. FLU.gov says that between 6,000 and 9,000 people in the United States get GBS each year. Most people fully recover, but symptoms can last weeks or months.
Cause
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While the cause of GBS in unknown, according to FLU.gov, about two-thirds of people with GBS got it after having a stomach or lung infection. People can also get GBS after being sick from the flu, but it's rare.
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GBS & Vaccine Links
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FLU.gov states that since the 1976 swine flu vaccine, no other flu vaccine has been clearly linked to GBS. Although, one study cited by the CDC indicated that one person out of one million who is vaccinated may be at risk for getting GBS.
GBS Surveillance
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed organizations to track associations between GBS and the flu vaccine. Organizations include the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the CDC Emerging Infections Program.
VICP
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If you think you or someone you know has an injury due to the flu shot, compensation can be sought from The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
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