The flu shot is the best defense that we have to protect ourselves and others from getting sick with the influenza virus. Every year, new flu shots are developed that will protect against multiple strains of the flu. The CDC recommends that everybody over the age of 6 months old get the flu shot, with only a few rare exceptions.

Luckily, allergic reactions to the flu shot are extremely uncommon, leaving little reason for us to avoid getting the flu shot, unless your doctor specifically advises against it for you. For example, if you have an egg allergy, you might need to take certain precautions and discuss the shot with your doctor.

However, a preservative allergy is even rarer, and should not deter you from getting the flu shot, says Ryan Steele, DO, board-certified allergist-immunologist and internist at Yale Medicine.

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If you experience these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

You should get the vaccine under the careful supervision of a healthcare provider in a medical setting if you:

You should only avoid the flu vaccine altogether if you have previously had a severe reaction to the flu shot itself.

It is a myth that Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) is a common reaction to the flu shot. In reality, there are only one to two cases of GBS per million flu shots administered.

GBS causes your immune system to attack nerves in your own body, resulting in symptoms like tingling or numbness that start in the lower body and escalate. This has the potential to result in paralysis, but most people can recover from GBS and live life normally.

The benefits of getting the flu shot greatly outweigh the risks. If you don't get a flu shot, your chances of becoming seriously ill from the flu are much higher than your chances of having an allergic reaction to the vaccination.

If you have personal concerns about the flu shot and any allergies, consult your doctor.

Read this article:
Can you have an allergic reaction to the flu shot? It's very rare, but those with egg allergies may be at risk - Business Insider India

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