What You Need To Know About H1N1
Nov 9, 2009 6:47 pm US/Eastern
Allergic To Eggs? You May Want To Avoid Flu Shots
Florida Dept of Health Hotline # 1-877-352-3581.
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Federal health officials say the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 and the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated. But for some, the risk of an allergic reaction could keep them from getting that protection because of egg allergies.
Tjivi Mbuende has an egg allergy, so he has to avoid some of his favorite foods, like cakes and pancakes, just to name a few.
He may also have to avoid flu shots because the viruses in the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are grown in eggs.
"They may develop immediate symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is a generalized allergic reaction: hives, itchy skin, redness, throat tightness," explained Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist at NYU'S School of Medicine.
"Whether you can get flu shot depends on how serious your egg allergy is. Your doctor can help determine that through a blood test. They can also perform a skin test by putting a small dose of vaccine on the skin then check for reaction.
Doctors say proper testing is key because many people think they have a food allergy when they actually don't.
"They may have a food intolerance or other problems," according to Dr. Bassett.
If there's a severe egg allergy and you can't get the vaccine, you'll need to protect yourself from the flu as best you can. Wash your hands frequently and if you do get sick, ask your doctor about flu medications like Tamiflu.
Tjivi hopes his tests will show he can get the flu vaccine without a problem.
"When you're down with the flu, it takes a lot of time for you to recover, so that's why I'd like to get it," said Mbuende.
With record numbers already coming down with the flu this season, it could be a long haul for anyone without protection.
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