Yes,some get it way worse than others.I was 36,very strong and healthy,and I could only move my eyes,too.I was in the hospital for 15 weeks,I was not expected to live,but I fought so hard,as I had children at home to get back to.I have been left with chronic nerve pain,and get soo tired,soo easily.I am glad your friend got better, alot of people got it from the swine vaccine in 1976.How is the gentleman doing?