About Allergies: New Egg-Free, Thimerosal-Free Influenza Vaccine Available

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The FDA recently approved FluBlok, a new influenza vaccine that is based on hemagglutinin (one of surface proteins on the influenza virus that is strain-specific) and is made using recombinant protein technology rather than using chicken eggs. As a result of the manufacturing process, this new vaccine contains no egg protein, thimerosal or other preservatives. This may represent an advantage for patients with egg allergy or concern for thimerosal. However, numerous recent studies show that the traditional influenza vaccine is safe for people even with severe egg allergy (although certain precautions should be taken -- see your doctor for details). FluBlok is a seasonal influenza vaccine, and is based on the most common strains of influenza expected during the flu season. However, the company claims that because the vaccine is based on pure hemagglutinin protein, protection against the flu may be better than with the traditional vaccine, even with different strains of influenza. At the present time, FluBlok is only indicated for patients 18-49 years of age, and is available only in limited amounts this year. Why Asthmatics Need the Flu Shot Influenza infections are well-known to cause worsening asthma symptoms in people with asthma. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Complications from influenza infection are more common in asthmatics than in people without asthma, and may include severe asthma attacks, pneumonia, and may result in hospitalization and even death if untreated. The best way to treat influenza infection is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Each year, a flu vaccine produced against the most likely subtypes of influenza A and B is available, and is recommended for people with high-risk medical conditions such as asthma. This vaccine has been shown to prevent or reduce the severity of infection as well as the complications from infection. Vaccination should be given annually in order to provide protection against that year's influenza subtypes as well as to provide a boosting effect, as protection from the vaccine begins to fade after one year. Search Related Topics:  influenza and asthma  swine flu  oseltamavir The Flu Shot and Egg Allergy The influenza vaccine is produced using chick embryos, and therefore may contain a small amount of egg protein. This egg protein may cause a severe allergic reaction in a person with an egg allergy. Since the amount of egg protein may vary from one year to the next, an egg-allergic person may tolerate the vaccine one year, but not the next. Many children are diagnosed with egg allergy at a young age, although many will outgrow this allergy before they reach adolescence. Some children are told that they are "egg allergic" based on a positive allergy test to egg; although they can eat eggs without experiencing any symptoms. People who can eat eggs without experiencing symptoms of food allergies can safely receive the influenza vaccine despite the positive allergy test to egg. Search Related Topics:  vaccine allergy  food allergy  mmr vaccine allergy Vaccines and Food Allergies Millions of routine childhood vaccinations are given every year in the United States; allergic reactions from these vaccines are extremely rare. However, some people with certain food allergies may be at higher risk for allergic reactions as a result of vaccines containing certain food proteins. Up to 8% of children suffer from food allergies, with egg being one of the most common foods to which children are allergic. Many routine childhood immunizations contain traces of egg protein or other food ingredients. As a result, there is the possibility that a child with food allergies will experience anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) as a result of receiving a vaccination. Related Searches Skin Rash Allergies The Flu Symptoms Allergies Symptoms Allergies Treatment Severe Allergies Featured Articles Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies   More from About.com The Perfect Engagement Ring How to find a gorgeous ring with a style and price that suit your needs. Read more...> Best U.S. Destinations Experts pick the top U.S. destinations for 2013 based on budget, special events, and more. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement