Allergic Reaction to Flu shot

Flu shot is a vaccine, which is inactivated and is given in the arm with a needle. This vaccine provides protection against three seasonal viruses. The flu vaccine contains dead influenza viruses which are grown in chicken eggs. Allergic reactions to flu shots is rare. These allergic reactions are caused due to flu shot ingredients. If a person is allergic to eggs, chances are high that the person will have allergic reaction to flu shots.

Allergic Reaction to Flu Shot Symptoms
Allergic reaction to flu shots is more common in children as compared to the adults. Although allergic reaction to flu shot in adults is rare, we will see what are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to flu shot.

• Breathing problems and accelerated heartbeat after a flu shot show an allergic reaction to the shot.
• Some people may suffer from hives and anaphylaxis, due to allergy to the flu shot.
• There are people who can experience skin rashes after they have taken a flu shot.
• Some of the other allergic reactions include wheezing, paleness, weakness, dizziness, etc.
• Redness or swelling at the injection site, fever and body aches are some of the other symptoms.
• Swelling of the lips or tongue and swelling around the heart are the other allergic reactions, which some people may experience.
• Allergic asthma is a rare condition, which can be caused due to allergic reaction to the flu shot.

If the flu shot reactions, do not subside down in a couple of days, it is recommended, that you seek advice from your health care professional for the same. People who are allergic to mercury or thimerosal, are more prone to allergic reaction to flu vaccine. According to some researches, the mercury or thimerosal present in the flu shot can lead to autism or Alzheimer's disease. Hence, in some states, vaccines containing mercury or thimerosal are banned and such vaccines cannot be given to pregnant women and children.

There is a condition called 'Guillain - Barré' syndrome, which may happen after an influenza shot. This is, however, not an allergic reaction. The symptoms associated with this condition are fever, muscle weakness and in some extreme cases, it may result in paralysis and permanent damage to the nerves. Hence, it is recommended, that people who have had this syndrome in the past, should seek advice from their health care professional before they take an influenza shot.

Allergic Reaction to Flu Shot in Children
Children, who were given the shot for the first time may have allergic reaction to the flu shot. More often than not, this reaction is a mild one. The symptoms of the reactions are same as that we have in allergic reaction to flu shot symptoms in adults. The child can become cranky, if there is soreness, pain and swelling at the injection site. This however, subsides down in two days. Some children may have fever after a couple of hours of taking the flu shots. The fever in most cases is mild, but if the fever is very difficult to control, you must talk to your pediatrician, regarding the same. If you observe hives or anaphylaxis in your child, do not waste any time and seek medical advice immediately. These are normally caused due to residual egg proteins.

After reading about the allergic reaction to flu shot, is there a question in your mind, whether you should indeed take a flu shot? We have to understand, that getting influenza disease is more riskier than getting yourself vaccinated for influenza. If you have any doubts about taking the influenza shot, I would recommend, you talk to your health care professional about the side effects and then get yourself vaccinated.