Doctors told to 'watch for Guillain-Barre syndrome' in swine flu patients
Tuesday 18th August 2009
Doctors have been urged to watch out for symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome when vaccinating patients against swine flu later this year.
The rare nerve disorder, which can cause temporary paralysis and death, is linked with flu-like illnesses and affects around 1,500 people annually in the UK.
Although health officials have stressed that there is no link between the vaccine and Guillain-Barre, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is urging doctors to report every instance of the disorder so it can be investigated.
A spokesperson for the HPA commented: "Establishing enhanced surveillance on Guillain-Barre syndrome has always been part of our pandemic plan because there is an increased risk of this disease after a flu-like illness."
In related news, a poll carried out by Nursing Times magazine revealed that only a third of nurses would be willing to have the swine flu vaccine.
Of those polled, around a third said they were undecided, while a third said they do not want the jab.
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