Flu shots protect against the flu virus, but allergic reactions are rare and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, hives, and a rapid heartbeat. People allergic to eggs may be at higher risk. Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms.
A flu shot is an immunization given to people during the winter that protects against some of the more serious or common strains of the flu virus. Although an allergic reaction to a flu shot is rare, it can be life-threatening, so it’s important to recognize the signs and seek prompt medical treatment. Some of the more common signs that a person is having an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, and a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms usually occur quickly, within minutes to hours after a person receives the injection. Although flu vaccine allergies are very rare, they are more likely to occur in people who are allergic to eggs, because the medicine is grown in chicken eggs.
Despite the fact that an allergic reaction to a flu shot is a very rare occurrence, it can be life-threatening. Almost all reactions cause the person to have trouble breathing, which can eventually lead to suffocation if left untreated. In other cases, an allergic reaction may be milder, with the person noting that they developed hives or a rash after receiving the injection. In other cases, people may experience side effects from the vaccine, including body aches, low-grade fever, or soreness at the injection site, that aren’t serious and may not require medical attention. Any adverse effects a person experiences after receiving a flu shot should be reported to a doctor to avoid potential serious complications.
Some people are more at risk of suffering an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine than others and may be advised against getting one. Most pediatricians do not vaccinate babies younger than six months of age, because babies are more likely to die from an allergic reaction. Even people who have been allergic to the vaccine in the past may not be able to get the vaccine, depending on their circumstances. Because the vaccine is grown in chicken eggs, it contains trace amounts of egg protein, so people with a severe allergy may be more likely to have an adverse reaction to the shot. There are, however, protocols in place that allow people with egg allergies to get a flu shot. It is important for patients to inform their doctors of any factors that could prevent them from being vaccinated.
As with any allergic reaction, it’s very important to get prompt medical attention. People who suspect they have symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, should call a doctor or go to an emergency room right away to be evaluated. An allergic reaction to a flu vaccine is treatable and fully reversible if caught early enough.
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