Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. People diagnosed with GBS often experience muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. One of the most common questions patients and families ask is: “Is GBS contagious?”
The short answer is no, GBS itself is not contagious. However, the condition is often linked to infections that may spread from one person to another. To understand this better, let’s explore what GBS is, why it happens, and how it is managed.
GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the body. This disrupts communication between the brain and muscles, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, difficulty walking or moving limbs, and in severe cases, breathing problems due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
The most important thing to clarify is that GBS itself is not contagious. Unlike the flu, COVID-19, or tuberculosis, GBS does not spread directly from person to person.
However, many cases of GBS occur after an infection—such as respiratory illnesses, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), or certain viral infections. These infections may be contagious, but the syndrome that follows (GBS) is not.
For example:
• Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria that causes food poisoning, can trigger GBS. The infection is contagious, but GBS is the body’s rare autoimmune response, not an infection itself.
• Viral infections like Zika virus or influenza have been associated with GBS outbreaks. Again, the virus can spread, but the syndrome is an abnormal immune reaction unique to some individuals.
This distinction is crucial for families and caregivers who may worry: “If my loved one has GBS, will I get it too?” The answer is no, you cannot “catch” GBS.
Although the exact cause of GBS is still unknown, researchers believe it develops through a process called molecular mimicry. After a bacterial or viral infection, the immune system produces antibodies to fight off the invading germs. In rare cases, these antibodies mistakenly target the body’s own nerve cells because they resemble the infection. This immune response leads to inflammation, damage to the protective myelin sheath, and disrupted nerve signals. This also explains why GBS often develops a few weeks after a mild infection and why it is not considered a contagious condition.
Recognising symptoms early is vital for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Muscle weakness starting in the legs and spreading upward
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Loss of reflexes
• Facial weakness (trouble smiling, chewing, or swallowing)
• Shortness of breath in severe cases
After exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatment, the answer is clear: GBS is not contagious.
• You cannot catch it from someone.
• It is an autoimmune response triggered by infections, not an infection itself.
• Caring for a GBS patient does not put you at risk.
The confusion arises because many infections that trigger GBS are contagious, but the syndrome is a rare and individual immune complication.
At Solaris Hospital, Thane, our team of neurologists and critical care specialists provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. From early detection to ICU-level supportive care and rehabilitation, we ensure patients receive the best possible outcomes.
If you or a loved one shows signs of GBS, such as muscle weakness, tingling, or breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical care. The specialists at Solaris Hospital are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to manage complex neurological conditions effectively.
Service Road, Ghodbunder Rd, next to AP Shah Institute of Technology, Kasarvadavali, Thane West, Maharashtra 400615
