Photo of flu shotEvery year, millions of Americans get their annual flu shot. As we’re writing this article, it’s the middle of flu season and already thousands have been diagnosed with the flu. Most people who get their flu shot will only experience mild side effects, like body aches or a fever.

However, a small percentage may develop a serious autoimmune disorder called AIDP, or Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculopathy. This condition is a variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). As such, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has recognized it as a known serious side effect of the seasonal flu shot.

Keep reading to learn more about common AIDP symptoms and how you can get compensation following diagnosis.

If you believe that you have AIDP due to a flu shot, there is hope. At Shannon Law Group, P.C., our team of vaccine injury attorneys are here to help you. They can help you recover compensation that you’re owed from the government through the VICP. Please contact us today for a free consultation at (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out the contact form on this page, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. 

What is AIDP?

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy was first recognized over a century ago, and it is the most common variant of GBS. AIDP is an autoimmune disorder, which means that your body’s own immune system begins to attack parts of your body.

At the onset of AIDP, the immune attack is directed at peripheral nerve myelin around the brain and spinal cord.

While AIDP can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections, it has been linked to the seasonal flu shot as well.

Common symptoms of vaccine-related AIDP include:

  • Weakness in your extremities (arms, legs, etc.)
  • Numbness and/or tingling sensations that progresses from your extremities to your torso
  • Pain, often described as shooting
  • Paralysis
  • Trouble speaking and/or talking
  • Trouble swallowing, breathing, etc.

These symptoms will appear within 3 days to 42 days after getting your flu shot. Please seek treatment immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. 

How is AIDP treated?

At the hospital, doctors may diagnose AIDP via EMG diagnostics, which can help show where the impulses are being blocked from activating muscles. Nerve conduction studies may also be administered to show how much time it takes for certain nerves to respond to a signal.

After you receive an AIDP diagnosis, your doctor may recommend several types of treatment. Here are some they may recommend to you:

  • Plasma exchanges
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions
  • Supportive care, or critical care if needed
  • Occupational, speech, and/or physical therapies

According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, about 50 percent of people diagnosed with AIDP make a full recovery within 1 year. After 3 years, about 30 percent will continue to experience some weakness. About 5 percent of people die from AIDP.

How do I get compensation for AIDP triggered by the flu vaccine?

When someone is diagnosed with AIDP that was caused by the annual flu shot, they may be eligible for compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This program was created to provide a no-fault path to compensation for those who were injured from a vaccine in the United States. 

For those who believe they have experienced a vaccine injury, it’s important to note that there is a strict set of rules you must follow in order to file a petition in the vaccine court. This criteria includes:

  • The petition must be filed within three years of the vaccination date. 
  • The filer must experience symptoms of their vaccine injury for at least six months before filing a claim. 
  • The petitioner must also be filing a claim for a vaccine that is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. (In this case, the flu shot is covered.)

These are the three main criteria in order to be eligible to file a claim in the VICP. After it’s decided that the injured party is in fact qualified, the petition can be filed in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims under the VICP. This petition includes medical records and bills, affidavits, and more information explaining the injury and why the petitioner is entitled to compensation.

What types of compensation can be recovered in the VICP? Petitioners are eligible to receive compensation for any and all out-of-pocket medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and pain and suffering (up to $250,000). 

Schedule a Free AIDP from Flu Shot Consultation Today

If you believe that your AIDP diagnosis was due to the annual flu vaccine, our team of experienced vaccine injury attorneys is here to help you. You aren’t alone, as they have helped others like you recover financially from their vaccine injuries. Give us a call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation: (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out the form on this page, and someone from our team will reach out.

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