Health Tip: Living With Latex Allergy
Latex is found in a number of common objects -- ranging from dishwashing gloves to rubber toys. The sanitary gloves that doctors and nurses use also are frequently made of latex.
If you've got a latex allergy, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prevent a reaction:
- Figure out which items at home and work are made from latex, and find non-latex items as replacements.
- Be careful around powdered latex gloves and similar products. Even breathing in the powder can be harmful.
- In a medical situation -- whether you're a worker or patient -- make sure that you or others than you come in contact with wear non-latex gloves.
- Carry a medical alert bracelet, necklace, or key chain that notes your allergy.
- Ask your doctor if you should carry an emergency epinephrine injection with you.
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-Barré 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.
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