There is an increased risk of contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome after vaccination against Covid-19 with the Johnson & Johnson serum. If this affection of the immune system can be serious, the treatments make it possible to recover from it.
- Of the cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome identified after vaccination in the United States, 95% required hospitalization and one person died.
- Other vaccines have previously been associated with this syndrome, including that against seasonal flu.
- Every year, in France, Guillain-Barré syndrome affects 1 to 2 people in 10,000.
Cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 42 days of vaccination with Johnson & Johnson have been reported by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which regulates drugs. It does not indicate that the vaccine causes the syndrome but notes an increase in cases. “If the available evidence suggests an association between the Janssen vaccine and increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, it is insufficient to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.”, said the administration in a press release. Out of more than twelve million injections, a hundred cases have been identified.
Tingling or weakness in the legs
Guillain-Barré syndrome disrupts the immune system which attacks the peripheral nervous system. “The body produces harmful antibodies (defence molecules), called autoantibodies, which damage the myelin and cause painful inflammatory reactions“, specifies theOrphanet encyclopedia. Myelin is the sheath that surrounds the nerves, it ensures their proper functioning and participates in the transmission of nerve messages.
This can affect the nerves responsible for commanding muscle movement and those related to sensations, whether pain, heat or cold. “It can thus lead to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms.“, indicates theWorld Health Organization.
In most cases, those affected first experience tingling or lack of strength in the legs, then it can affect the arms and face. Sometimes the syndrome can lead to paralysis of these different limbs. “In 20% to 30% of patients, there is damage to the chest muscles, making it difficult to breathe“, adds the WHO.
A temporary affection, from which it is possible to recover
“Majority of patients recover without serious long-term neurological complications“, specifies the WHO. According to her, even people with severe forms manage to recover, and the sequelae are rare. Between six and twelve months are necessary to regain all physical abilities.
For this, those affected must be quickly taken care of. They usually receive treatment with immunotherapy, to eliminate myelin-destroying antibodies. At the same time, various therapeutic options allow all the symptoms to be managed.
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