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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Guillain Barre Syndrome After A Flu Shot?

hAVE ra ON REMICADE and methotrexate. Had flu shot last fall, as did my sister. we both got the b type flu afterwards. She developed Guillain Barre syndrome. She could only talk and move yes; everything else was paralyzed. After 4 months she is making a slow recovery. Do I dare take the flu shot??? I have for years but never got another flu afterwards. I am a 78year old female with DM type II, DVT; HIT; had 2 AFibs;.Thanks.
Mon, 30 Jul 2018
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

This happens due to what is known as molecular mimicry.
In this the body forms the antibodies to the injected organisms or their antigens.These antibodies are what protects the vaccine from further infections. Sometimes these antibodies attack the otherwise normal nerve cells. This causes the syndromes like GB Syndrome.
As for you taking the vaccine, I think you can take it. It is not necessary that you will also get GB Syndrome because your relative got it.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Guillain Barre Syndrome After A Flu Shot?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. This happens due to what is known as molecular mimicry. In this the body forms the antibodies to the injected organisms or their antigens.These antibodies are what protects the vaccine from further infections. Sometimes these antibodies attack the otherwise normal nerve cells. This causes the syndromes like GB Syndrome. As for you taking the vaccine, I think you can take it. It is not necessary that you will also get GB Syndrome because your relative got it. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.