The flu vaccine offers protection against certain strains of the influenza virus. Yearly or seasonal flu vaccinations are needed because the most common strain or type varies from season to season. The flu or influenza is a respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications, particularly in the elderly, younger children and individuals with weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses such as asthma.
What are Allergic Reactions to the Flu Shot?
Though the flu vaccine may not give complete immunity from the influenza virus, it does offer a degree of protection for most individuals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that the annual flu shot be given to individuals over the age of six months.
Severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare but but can occur in some cases; signs of any adverse reactions should be reported to your doctor immediately. A serious allergic reaction after a flu shot may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, weakness, hoarseness, hives or a skin rash and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Immediate medical attention is required if any of these reactions to the vaccine occur.
In most cases, a severe reaction to the flu vaccine is linked to an allergy to eggs. A true egg allergy can cause a reaction because the influenza vaccine is often incubated in chicken eggs. If you have had a severe reaction to eggs or to a flu shot in the past, it is important to consult your doctor before getting vaccinated. Your doctor may recommend other types of vaccines that are not produced in eggs.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Linked to Immunization
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a condition that has been linked to an adverse reaction to influenza immunizations in some cases. According to the CDC, this syndrome affects one out of every 100,000 individuals whether they receive a flu shot or not. Guillain-Barré syndrome is characterized by symptoms including fever, muscle weakness and nerve damage. The CDC also notes that studies suggest that the risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome due to the flu vaccination is one in a million.
Minor Allergic Reactions to the Flu Shot
A minor allergic reaction can occur locally at the site of injection, causing slight tenderness, pain, swelling and redness. These symptoms are common among children and typically subside within 48 hours after getting the flu vaccination.
In some cases, the patient may also have a temporary systemic reaction in which the entire body is affected due to symptoms of fever, fatigue and muscle aches. These symptoms usually begin a few hours after getting the vaccine and last for up to 48 hours, however they may not be allergy related.
Reference:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Risks of Flu Vaccination
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Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
