�Guillain-Barré (pronounced ghee-YAN bah-RAY) syndrome is a disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells (outside of the brain and spinal cord), resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.

�GBS can last for weeks to months.

�Most people eventually recover completely or nearly completely, but some people have permanent nerve damage and between 5% and 6% of people who develop GBS die.

�GBS affects people of both sexes and all ages, and has been reported in all races.

�It is thought that GBS may be triggered by an infection.

�The infection that most commonly precedes GBS is caused by a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni.

�Other respiratory or intestinal illnesses and other triggers may also precede an episode of GBS.

�In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS.

�Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS.

�Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.

SOURCE: CDC