I developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after swine flu vaccine. Should I avoid COVID-19 vaccine?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after I receive the swine flu vaccine. Can I ask if it would be recommended for me to get the COVID-19 vaccine, or is there any particular vaccine I should avoid? I would appreciate any advice possible.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Sorry to hear about your past happening. GBS after a vaccine is a known complication post-vaccination. GBS is a disease that can occur even after an episode of sore throat or diarrhea. So it happens because, after infection, our body makes antibodies that cross-react with our nervous tissue, and as a result, the nerve cell starts to die, which is why we give IVIG, which stops the attack and prevents the further attack.
Recurrence of GBS is also very well known, and any person who has got GBS has greater chances of getting GBS than a normal person. The chances of you developing GBS again after an infection or vaccination are pretty much the same. I would strongly recommend you get your old record, check the manufacturer of your swine flu vaccine, take it to your local health authority, and take a vaccine only after confirming from them. Hospitals in your place would help you regarding this issue as they have different researches going on. Since you are pretty young and there is no emergency of taking a vaccine, I urge you to confirm the make and contents of the vaccine and then go ahead.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I work in healthcare too. Hence I am trying to decide on the vaccine. I will follow your advice.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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