Egg Allergy and the Flu Vaccine (Part 2)

An allergic reaction involves the immune system or defense system. If you have an allergy to eggs, your immune system identifies eggs as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

Studies show that most egg allergic individuals can receive the flu vaccine safely under the care of their allergist.

There are two ways people with confirmed egg allergy can receive the flu vaccine without being skin tested for the vaccine first.

 

1) One way is to receive the vaccine in two parts. You receive 10 percent of the full dose and wait 30 minutes to see if allergic symptoms develop. If symptoms do not develop, the remainder of the dosage is given and another 30 minute observation period is held.

2) Another way is to give the entire vaccine followed by a 30 minute observation period.

Both should be used under the direction of an allergist skilled in administering the vaccine to people with food allergies.

 

Reference information:  www.aaaai.org/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Egg Allergy and the Flu Vaccine (Part 1)

Flu season is here and so is the need to be protected by getting vaccinated. This vaccine contains a very small amount of egg protein, so before giving it health providers ask if you are allergic to eggs. But do you really know if you are allergic to egg? Could you have egg intolerance?

 

Food allergies affect millions of adults and children. On the flip side, many people think they are allergic and unnecessarily avoid certain products.

 

The big difference between a food intolerance and allergy is an allergy can cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction. This is why it is important to know if you have an allergy or intolerance to egg when you receive a flu vaccination. An allergist / immunologist has specialized training to properly diagnose your reaction to eggs or other foods.

 

Food intolerance happens in the digestive system and occurs when you are unable to properly breakdown food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods.

 

 

Reference information:  www.aaaai.org/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Outgrowing Food Allergies

Reference information: www.aaaai.org, http://www.allergy.hk/

Most children outgrow cow's milk, egg, soy and wheat allergy, even if they have a history of a severe reaction. About 20% of children with peanut allergy will outgrow it. About 9% of children with tree nut allergy will outgrow it. Your allergist can help you learn when your child might outgrow a food allergy.

Treatment
The best way to treat food allergy is to avoid the foods that trigger your allergy. Although it has been shown that just smelling peanut butter will not cause a reaction, sometimes food allergens can be airborne, especially in steam, and can cause reactions. Boiling or simmering seafood is a particular offender.
Always ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or when you are eating foods prepared by family or friends.

Carefully read food labels. The United States and some other countries require that eight major food allergens are to be listed in common language, for example, "milk" rather than a scientific or technical term, like "casein."

Carry and know how to use injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat emergency reactions. If a reaction occurs, have someone take you to the emergency room, even if symptoms subside. Afterwards, get follow-up care from an allergist.

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.