This year’s influenza (flu) season is off to a late but vigorous start, with some areas being so hard hit that medical experts are reminding people that it’s still not too late to get a flu shot.  These shots help prevent getting sick and reduce the severity of illness when flu happens anyway.  Unfortunately, all flu vaccines are made from an egg culture so, for anyone with egg allergies, getting a flu shot can be more risky than beneficial.

The good news is that the very tiny amount of egg protein in each vaccine is so small it might not trigger an allergic reaction.  Most people who tolerate foods cooked or processed with eggs, including breads, cakes, and many other baked goods, get more egg protein eating these dishes than they’d get from a flu shot.

The amount of egg protein varies from one vaccine manufacturer to another so anyone concerned about allergic reactions should mention these concerns to their doctor and request a vaccine with the least egg protein possible.  A skin test to detect allergic severity is a good idea before getting a flu shot, too.  To be safest, don’t leave the medical facility for at least 30 minutes after getting a flu shot so the medical staff can monitor and respond to any allergic distress should it occur.

Allergies too severe for vaccination?  There’s still hope to minimize the effects of the flu.  Instead of getting the full dose in one sitting, have it administered in small doses spread over a period of time and under close supervision.  For the most severe egg allergies, it’s probably safer to forego the vaccine altogether and turn to antiviral medications if influenza develops.

The flu vaccine comes in nasal spray form and is approved for healthy people between 2 and 49 years of age as long as the patient doesn’t have asthma, diabetes, or other medical conditions which compromise the immune system.  Unfortunately, these nasal spray vaccines typically contain more egg protein than the injected vaccines so they should be avoided entirely by anyone battling an egg allergy.