Sunday, December 07, 2008

Health Tips for December 7

Health Tip: Allergies to the Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is safe for most people, but some people could experience dangerous complications from the flu vaccine, including an allergic reaction.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the following people should not get a flu shot without first speaking to their doctor:

  • Anyone with an egg allergy.
  • Anyone who has had a previous severe reaction to a flu shot.
  • Children younger than 6 months old.
  • Anyone who developed a condition called Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome within six weeks of receiving a previous flu shot.
  • Anyone who is ill with a fever should wait until they are healthy again to have the flu shot.

Health Tip: Symptoms of a Drug Allergy

Some drugs cause unpleasant side effects in many people, including nausea, dizziness or fatigue.

But if you're allergic to a drug, you can have a reaction that ranges from mild to life-threatening. Penicillin and other antibiotics are among the most common causes of drug allergy.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these warning signs of an allergic reaction to a medication:

  • Hives.
  • Skin rash.
  • Itchiness of the skin or eyes.
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
  • Swollen lips, eyes or tongue.

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