GBS Outbreak: Who should be worried? How to prevent it?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome, widely called GBS, has now become the factor that Indian citizens have become wary of but the thing is most of them don’t know what really it is. (Hence, to the rescue) Know more about the outbreak and follow the safety measures mentioned to prevent it.

Taking care of one’s health is very crucial. And amidst this, the news on GBS is trending across media without actually people knowing the seriousness or what the syndrome actually is. And when wanting to talk about it the main questions that arise are:

What actually is GBS?
What are the major causes?
What Happens Within Your Body?
Who does it affect?
How to prevent it?

What is GBS?

GBS a.k.a Guillain-Barré Syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder that affects the immune system and the nerves. The condition wires the immune system to attack the nerve cells in the body that leads to muscle paralysis or paralysis. So far India has registered around 160 cases since January. Although GBS is yet to be fully understood by the medical professionals there are numerous common factors that are linked with the syndrome. So let’s break down and know the causing factors and necessary prevention tips.

What Happens Within Your Body?

he myelin coating that protects nerve fibers is harmed by the immune system.
This results in weakness and a lack of reflexes by interfering with the brain-muscle connection.
Respiratory failure may result from significant effects on the breathing muscles.

What Causes It?

First of all, Don’t panic with all the headlines and news that have been going around. Even though the root causes remain unclear to an extent, there are few reasons we can circle back to.

GBS begins with a feeling of numbness around legs and limbs in the body then later takes root. To segregate the causes particularly –

Gastrointestinal / Respiratory Infections – A common symptom found in all the patients. Bacterial infections such as Campylobacter jejuni bacteria – often caused by food poisoning is one of the major contributors.

Influenza and Viral Illness – Be wary of any viral fevers or even infections and take a medical checkup in that case.

Covid 19 & Post Complications – Some of the covid vaccines are found to be causing GBS. Although, the benefits of the vaccine are more than such illness, it is not spared much consideration comparatively.

Who Does It Affect?

GBS syndrome can affect anyone regardless of age factors. However, a few groups of individuals can be specifically prone to the disease and can be informed about it.

Individuals recovering from bacterial or serious viral infections.
People with overall weakness in their immune system
Those who are affected by autoimmune diseases.
Elderly people – with weak immunity

The main factor to be noticed is, although GBS is rare, staying alert and being cautious is crucial.

How to prevent it?

Prevention is better than cure’ so prevent it before it affects you. You might think there could not be a specific way to prevent it, but there are definitely enough safety measures that can be taken to avoid risks.

Practice good hygiene – Washing your hands frequently can help avoid infections that could lead to GBS. Maintaining an overall decent personal hygiene could make a significant impact on the matter.

Keep up with your immunizations – Although they are uncommon, some vaccines have been connected to GBS, nonetheless, the risk of infection is far higher if you are not vaccinated.

Consume clean and healthy food – This helps in avoiding contracting bacterial diseases like Campylobacter. Reduce visiting roadside vendors or shops that are known to be less clean and hygienic. Often food poisoning viruses and bacteria are the pivotal contributors of GBS syndrome.

If you observe any early symptoms, get medical attention. You should not disregard those. And those symptoms are –

tingling,
weakness, or
loss of reflexes.

To conclude

This syndrome is rare albeit a serious health issue that requires awareness and medical aid or need at the earliest possible. And the recent surge in the number of cases registered and the spike in casualties has definitely sparked a concern among the public. And if you are facing any of the symptoms or anyone you know has experienced it then do reach out to a medical professional today.

‘Health is Wealth’ so remember to take better care of your health. And to know more about health and recovery, stay tuned with tuberbuddy!