Flu vaccine Guillain Barre and other disabling nerve conditions

Each year in the United States, between 5 % and 20% of the population will contract the flu–also known as influenza. The flu is a highly contagious disease that is spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. Defined by its high fever, cough, muscle aches and fatigue, that results in nearly 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of dollars in medical expense. However, a reaction to flu vaccine can be just as costly.

CDC Push For All To Be Vaccinated For The Flu

Every year the Centers for Disease Control works overtime to encourage all citizens to be vaccinated against the flu.  While most people do not suffer reactions to flu vaccine, there are those who are now faced with serious disabilities thanks to a reaction to flu vaccine.  A lifelong disabling reaction to flu vaccine includes sudden onset illnesses that effect the nervous system–particularly flu vaccine Guillain Barre syndrome, brachial neuritis, and CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy).

Reaction To Flu Vaccine : Symptoms Are Often Dismissed

Many physicians dismiss the sudden appearance of a reaction to flu vaccine that can occur either immediately following vaccination or in the weeks to come.  Reaction to flu vaccine usually occurs within the first 30 days after administration.  For example, flu vaccine Guillain Barre will usually start within 2 weeks.  However the number of patients who complain of a reaction to flu vaccine develop symptoms rapidly or progressed immediately following receipt of the vaccine could be much higher than originally thought. Testimonies abound from people all across the country who blame a reaction to flu vaccine for illnesses that have cost them their livelihood.

Flu Vaccine Guillain Barre : Your Body Attacks Itself

Flu vaccine Guillain Barre syndrome is one of the most common reported reaction to flu vaccine.  GBS is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. Most commonly flu vaccine Guillain Barre begins in the legs and feet with tingling, weakness and loss of control– but can quickly progress up the body effecting the muscles that control breathing which makes the condition a serious medical emergency. Many patients who develop flu vaccine Guillain Barre must be placed on a respirator to help them breathe until the condition begins to resolve. For some who have had flu vaccine Guillain Barre, permanent weakness will never go away and could require assistive devices for walking and daily tasks.

CIDP : GBS That Keeps Going

Chronic Inflammatory Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a cousin to flu vaccine Guillain Barre. CIDP is similar in action to GBS, effecting multiple nerves throughout the body equally. However the main difference between the two is that CIDP often lasts longer than flu vaccine Guillain Barre and is in fact usually permanent. In some cases, patients who suffer from CIDP may have times when symptoms will resolve only to recur. CIDP often results in permanent paralysis and loss of muscle mass in varying degrees. It may effect only the lower extremities or the entire body in some form.

Brachial Neuritis : Serious Arm and Shoulder Pain

Conditions like Brachial Neuritis (BN) have also been found to occur after flu vaccination. The condition, which is thought to also be caused by an immune triggered response causes severe pain and nerve damage to the muscles of the neck and shoulder area which results in paralyzation of the shoulder and muscles over the shoulder blades of the back.

Based on a survey completed by Medical News Today, 30% of Americans said that they would not be getting a flu vaccine this year citing fears about reaction to flu vaccine, like flu vaccine Guillain Barre. The government’s exaggerated fears of a pandemic and the desire to boost their own immune function naturally. Though not all of these reasons are scientifically proven to be accurate, each person has the right to choose.