NEW YORK, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A new study indicates that COVID-19 is associated with an elevated risk of a rare disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, within six weeks after infection with the virus.
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Additionally, Israel discovered that recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine had a lower chance of developing the illness within the next six weeks compared to those who contracted COVID-19.
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An autoimmune condition known as Guillain-Barré syndrome causes the body's immune system to target nerve cells. Paralysis can result from symptoms that start as hand and foot weakness.
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Up to 20 out of every 1 million people are affected by the illness annually, and it only very rarely happens after specific vaccines.
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Through email, Dr. Anat Arbel informed UPI that during the pandemic and concurrent with the start of a widespread COVID-19 immunization campaign in Israel.
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In this work, we sought to investigate the relationship between GBS [Guillain-Barré syndrome] and the COVID-19 vaccine as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection."
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"The study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is associated with an increased risk of developing GBS," stated Dr. Arbel.
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There is a link between the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination and a lower incidence of GBS. These results emphasize the advantages of continuing vaccination even more.
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There are 3 million persons in Israel who have never had a Guillain-Barré diagnosis. From January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, participants were tracked. Sixty-six persons experienced the syndrome during that time.
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There are 3 million persons in Israel who have never had a Guillain-Barré diagnosis.
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December 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. Sixty-six persons experienced the syndrome during that time.
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Compared to individuals without a recent infection, those with a COVID-19 infection had a six-fold increased risk of developing Guillain-Barré.
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In total, 12% of those with Guillain-Barré had recently contracted COVID-19, compared to 2% of those without the condition.
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Additionally, the researchers discovered that those who had received a recent mRNA immunization had a greater than 50% lower risk of developing Guillain-Barré than those who had not.
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Infections of the digestive or respiratory tract are the cause of symptoms in two thirds of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.