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Swine Flu and the threat of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

December 18, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SWINE FLU AND THE THREAT OF GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME (GBS)

Greenville, MS – Many people across the U.S., as well as the Delta, are concerned about getting Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) from the H1N1 vaccine.  GBS is a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages the nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.  It can cause symptoms that last for as little as a few weeks, or several months.  Most people fully recover from GBS, however there are some people who have permanent nerve damage. In rare cases, people have died of GBS due to weakness of their breathing muscles.  GBS is more common in older adults than children.

In very rare cases, someone may develop GBS in the days or weeks after getting a vaccination.  In 1976 there was a small increased chance of GBS after getting a flu (swine flu) vaccination.  This translated into about 1 more case per 100,000 people who got the swine flu vaccine.  For the most part, the chance of getting very ill from flu is far higher than the chance of getting GBS after getting the flu vaccine. 

Dr. Satwinder Singh, Infectious Disease Specialist says, “About 15% of the entire country has been infected with the H1N1 virus, which equals about 1 in 6 people.  Everyday children and younger adults unfortunately are being hospitalized or killed by H1N1 influenza in greater numbers than during a regular flu season.  We are in mid-December, so it is still a good window of opportunity to get vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza.  Getting vaccinated can protect us and our families.”

During the 2009-2010 flu season, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the FDA are closely examining all reports of serious problems, including GBS, which may or may not be linked to the use of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine or to the seasonal flu vaccine. 

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