BOCA RATON, Florida – Like football games and warm coats, the flu shot is part of the Fall ritual for millions of Americans. But there are people who actually may be allergic to them.
It takes less than 10 seconds … and then it’s over, unless that is; you’re someone who is allergic to flu shots.
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Larry Altshuler, MD, director of oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, “There are some people, of course, that are allergic to the egg in the vaccine, that are allergic to other things, maybe even the preservative.”
And that’s just what happened to Ashley Wilson. Working in a hospital setting, she knew it was vital to protect herself against the flu.
She said, “I got one and promptly got sick in the way of hives, swelling and itching and the closing of the airways. That sort of thing.”
Ashley is one of the rare people allergic to eggs.
Doctor Altshuler said, “There is another alternative for that … it’s called a block vaccine. It’s a little more expensive, it’s $130 compared to your ten dollar flu vaccine, but it’s actually made of insect parts.”
Which, for Ashley, was a good alternative.
Ashley told Ivanhoe, “So, it’s actually insect based so that was definitely better than facing having to wear a mask for three months during flu season.”
Doctors warn people not to use the small chance of a reaction as an excuse to avoid getting a flu shot.
Doctors Altshuler explains, “The real reason for the flu vaccine is to reduce the risk of death, and it does that. And it can decrease the risk of hospitalization.”
The flu shot is not a guarantee you’ll avoid the flu, but for a lot of people, it literally can be a life saver.
Doctor Altshuler says if you miss getting your shot in the fall, don’t wait until next year. Take it during the winter months because the flu season hits hardest in March.
Contributors to this news report include: Dee Morales, Field Producer; Brogan Morris, Assistant Producer; and Tony Dastoli, Editor.