Can the flu shot cause autoimmune disorders?

The flu shot is safe for most people. However, it can trigger the onset of autoimmune disorders for some. In these rare cases, the seasonal influenza vaccine may cause someone to develop autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).

What do all of these diagnoses have in common? They are autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system. They impact a patient’s ability to live a normal life. The patient may experience trouble walking, eating, or talking.

If you were diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder following a flu shot, please know that you are not alone. Our vaccine injury lawyers have worked with people like you across the United States to receive compensation from a federal program. It’s called the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call now to schedule your free case review at (312) 578-9501, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

Otherwise, keep reading this article to learn more about these autoimmune disorders and how the flu vaccine may trigger them.

3 Autoimmune Disorders Triggered by Flu Vaccines

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is known to be caused by the flu vaccine. It’s a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acknowledged this link. GBS is listed as a known side effect of the influenza vaccine on the Vaccine Injury Table.

According to the CDC, an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the United States. Symptoms of GBS typically appear within three (3) to forty-two (42) days after receiving a flu shot. The most common signs of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include:

• Weakness and tingling in your feet and legs
• Abnormal walking
• Problems with coordination
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Shortness of breath

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare condition that affects your nervous system, just like GBS. However, ADEM is a rare widespread attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, the protective coating around nerve fibers called myelin becomes damaged.

ADEM often occurs following viral or bacterial infections, but it can also be triggered by vaccines like the flu shot and MMR vaccine. Sometimes, ADEM is misdiagnosed as the first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, ADEM and MS have symptoms that differentiate them from one another. For example, patients with ADEM will present with a fever, a history of recent infection, and some impairment of consciousness. People with MS do not.

Common symptoms associated with ADEM to watch out for include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Coma

While most people with ADEM make a full recovery, some experience long-term or permanent side effects, including:

• Vision loss in one or both eyes
• Weakness and/or paralysis
• Difficulty with coordination

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

When someone has chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), they will experience symptoms similar to Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Over time, their arms and legs will become progressively weaker and may become paralyzed.

This rare neurological disorder can be triggered by the seasonal flu shot. It happens when the body’s immune system damages the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves. Common symptoms of CIDP are:

• Tingling or numbness beginning in the toes or fingers
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Fatigue

CIDP is related to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and it’s even known as its chronic counterpart.

Did you develop an autoimmune disorder after receiving a flu shot? Our vaccine injury lawyers can help.

If you or someone you loved was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder following a recent flu vaccination, our vaccine injury attorneys at Shannon Law Group may be able to help. We assist people from across the United States petition for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you have a potential claim, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible because your time may be limited to file a petition.

Contact us today at (312) 578-9501 to schedule your free vaccine injury consultation. You can also fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get started. We always return your phone calls or messages within 24 hours during a business week. We look forward to speaking with you!