Flu season is upon us. I have started seeing people post images or comments about how everyone should get the flu shot. When I hear people make comments about how important it is for those who are children, senior citizens and those who have weakened immune system it makes me cringe.

People, Dr’s. nurses and so on give warnings about how it’s best to get the flu shot.  While they mean well, that isn’t true for everyone.  Every year there is this huge campaign to immunize. People will judge those are don’t vaccinate and they don’t care to listen. it’s like your Democrats or Republicans. No matter what side you are on, someone is going to judge. There are those like me who has had horrible effects to the flu shot. I was told by my neurologists to not take the flu shot, shingles, pneumonia or the tinnitus.  immunizations. I personally think it is important to get immunizations for your kids if there is no medical reason to with hold them. But that is me.

Top Part of Patient Consent Form… I have read, or have had explained to me, the CDC Vaccine Information Statement about influenza and the influenza vaccine. I understand that this vaccine may cause flu-like symptoms in some people and in rare incidents Guillain-Barré Syndrome. I have had an opportunity to ask questions which were answered to my satisfaction. I understand the benefits and risks of influenza vaccine and request that the vaccine be given to me (or person named below for whom I am authorized to make this request) Click Here to Read the Full form when you consent to get the flu shot. 

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?

(CDC) Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages their nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS can cause symptoms that usually last for a few weeks. Most people recover fully from GBS, but some people have long-term nerve damage. In very rare cases, people have died of GBS, usually from difficulty breathing. In the United States, an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS each year. Click Here to learn more… 

I was diagnosed with the CIPD variant of Guillian Barre Syndrome.  I was told by my  Dr back in 1980 that once you have it, then you won’t get it again. They said that only 1-3% of those who get GBS never has a problem again. I guess I was in the lucky 1-3% group. Which is the recurring kind. I ended up with GBS/CIPD because of a flu shot I received.  In just 3 weeks I ended up on a vent and was paralyzed all the way to from my feet to my face. I didn’t have a clue that I have an antibody that reacted with the flu shot.  You can also get GBS because of a virus.

If you look at the form that you have to sign you will see a notification that states that if you have had or have GBS not to take the shot. Or if you do decide to then that has to be your choice, not someone else’s. Since I got Guillian Barre Syndrome from the flu shot, there is no way on this earth that I would do it. The risk isn’t worth it to me.  Since I have the chronic form and I have had it three times, again there is no way.

There isn’t a lot known about GBS even today. My daughter Jessica doesn’t get the flu shot and she also doesn’t give those to her children. I was pregnant with her when I got diagnosed with GBS. Once you have gone through something as traumatic as that, you would never want to again and you do what you can do to try to prevent it.

I won’t go into a lot of my diagnosis things. But, you can read about my experience by clicking here. This is part one of two. 

I just want to say this last thing. If sonmeone is sick, please don’t be around others. You never know who has an medical problems and compromised immune systems. Don’t be one of those people who goes into public places when you know you are sick. Use some common sense. If you feel like you need to caugh or sneeze, then cover your mouth. Again, use some common sense. There are people out there that has life threatening illnesses like disease, auto immune disease and people are dying. If you have strep throat a fever, throwing up or symptoms, stay home and respect others. Your cold or flu could cost someone their life. Click here to learn more about what to do if you are sick… CDC Flu and Cold Prevention Awareness