Flu Vaccinations Alpine CA

It's that time again when the flu makes its unwelcome return. Although the flu shot is the answer to prevent this illness, will it only make matters worse if you have an egg allergy?

In the winter of 2010, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone get vaccinated against several common strains of the influenza virus. However, there is growing concern over the small amounts of the egg protein found in vaccines since they are grown in chicken eggs. The good news is that according to scientists, most people with egg allergies won't have a reaction to the flu shot. Several recent studies have confirmed that the amount of egg protein contained in the vaccines is so small that it isn't likely to cause any serious side effects.

Researchers from the University of Michigan reviewed the records of 135 children with egg protein allergies and found that none of them had any systemic effects from their shots. These findings were reported at the annual meeting of American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in the winter of 2010. The researchers also discovered that only seven of the participants had any symptoms after their vaccines, and these were all quite mild including hives, erythema (a type of red skin rash), eczema, and diarrhea. While these results focus on children since they are the ones most likely to have egg protein allergies, they can apply to adults, too.

What it Means for You

Regardless of egg allergies, it's probably safe to get the flu shot. However, it's always best to talk to your doctor first. If he's concerned that you could be at high risk for any side effects, he may send you to an allergist for testing to determine the best way to handle flu shot allergies. It's also possible to have a reaction to a flu shot that isn't caused by egg proteins, so only the experts can determine whether the shot could pose serious danger for you. When in doubt, it's always best to have the shot done in the allergist's ...

It might be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of the dreadful flu. But researchers have discovered that when babies are exposed to the influenza virus early on, their immune systems become strong and activate enough immune response to prevent asthma later in life.

Timing Matters

Scientists from the Children's Hospital in Boston conducted a study on mice and discovered that this benefit occurred when the flu was present within the first two weeks of life. The same protective benefits also come from contact with a compound taken from another virus called Helicobacter pylori, which is known to lead to ulcers and stomach cancer.

These findings on the flu and asthma were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigations in December 2010 and reinforce a growing belief that the current efforts in our society to avoid germs could be affecting the immune system's ability to fight off illness, instead of responding to harmless triggers. The hyper-avoidance of germs as also increased the amount of people coping with allergies and asthma.

The Future of the Flu and Asthma

Scientists are hoping that with further research, they can also separate the positive elements from the flu and stomach ailments and develop vaccines that can prevent the development of asthma without any ill effects.

What You Can Do

If you suffer from asthma, you should still take precautions toavoid getting the flu since the protective factor has long passed for you. So make an effort to avoid sick people, get plenty of rest, eat well, and wash your hands often. And take your asthma control medications as directed by your doctor. If you find yourself coming down with the flu or some other illness, be sure to take care of yourself and increase your inhaler usage according to your asthma action plan.

It's also worth noting that if you plan to have children in the future, you should stay on top of this ongoing research. Someday soon, your newborn could be able to take adv...