Flu shot vaccines have recently been linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a disorder in which a person’s body attacks its own nerves. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one day to several weeks after the vaccine.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting vaccine induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a vaccine, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Influenza (Flu) Overview
Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious lung disease caused by a virus. Because the virus is constantly changing, vaccines must also change to maintain effectiveness.
In some cases, viruses emerge that spread very quickly because no one is protected, causing a pandemic. In 2009, the influenza A (H1N1) virus caused the first global flu pandemic in more than 40 years.
People with the flu can spread it by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Some people who are infected show no symptoms but are still contagious. When symptoms do appear, they may include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue.
There are many types of influenza, including:
- Seasonal
- Avian
- Swine
- Variant
- Pandemic
- More
Flu Vaccines
Flu season often peaks in February and can last into May. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months old. More than 145.8 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. It takes about two weeks to become effective.
What is the Problem?
In rare cases, the flu shot can cause serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or Guillain-Barré Syndrome. People who have been injured by a flu shot can seek compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that is believed to occur when nerve cells are damaged by a person’s own immune system. In certain cases, inflammatory reactions to vaccines activate the immune system and damage nerves. In particular, flu shot vaccines have been consistency associated with a number of GBS occurrences.
Types of GBS
- Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS)
- Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)
- Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN)
- Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial Variant
- Acute Panautonomic Neuropathy
- Bickerstaff’s Brainstem Encephalitis (BBE)
Symptoms of GBS
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome may include:
- Prickling “pins and needles” sensations in fingers, toes, ankles, wrists
- Tingling and weakness starting in the feet and legs, spreading to upper body and arms
- Problems walking steadily, moving eyes or face, talking, chewing swallowing
- Severe lower back pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Pain that may be worse at night
- Problems with bladder control or bowel function
Who is at greatest risk?
GBS is a rare disorder that occurs in approximately 1 to 2 people per million flu shots. It is more common in older adults and the risk increases with age, particularly people older than 50.
Long-Term Complications
Because of its sudden and unexpected occurrence, GBS can be a devastating disorder. Those affected by GBS face not only physical challenges, but emotionally painful difficulties as well. It is often hard for patients to adjust to sudden paralysis and dependence on others for help with everyday tasks. Patients sometimes need psychological counseling to help them cope with their situation.
What is the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a program established in the 1980s by the federal government. It is designed to help people who were injured by vaccine side effects, while protecting vaccine-makers from lawsuits that might discourage development of new vaccines.
Do I have a Flu Shot Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting flu vaccine induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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