flu shot hypersensitivity

[SpecFuz]

My father got a flu shot for the first-time after I kept after him. I've always gotten one and except for local soreness on the arm, I've never had any problem. He was reluctant, but now in his 60's he figured it was a good idea.

Well, 2 days after the injection he developed swollen lips, sore throat, hoorificeness, itching hands, and hives. Clearly, an allergic reaction was mounting. I was surprised it took 2 days to appear though. Well, 1 - 2 days later, it had not resolved with him taking only Benadryl so he was convinced to go to the doctor. His doctor prescribed for him prednisone and a z-pac of zithromax? He started the meds on Friday, and has had no relief of itching except with Benadryl. He still is having hive flare-ups.

His doctor has such a busy practice and seems totally unconcerned when we notified him that he is still developing hives. In fact, he said there is nothing else he could really do and it had to run it's course. Is that the case? What about Atarax or Vistaril? Isn't it for itching as well as nausea? I feel that a reaction persisting for over 5 days is very severe. Any experience with this or thoughts?

Thx!

[nursenatalie, ADN, RN]

Well, not sure if this experience will help you or not. We had a patient admitted with a reaction to the flu shot that sounds similar to the reaction that your dad experienced. The gentleman had facial swelling, tongue, etc. His symptoms began just hours after receiving the vaccine and with IV solu-medrol q 6 hours and then po prednisone his swelling went down. This man claimed no hypersensitivity to eggs or anything else...very important to make sure that the swelling does not hinder your dads airway, this was the reason for admit of this gentleman.

[SpecFuz]

Originally posted by nursenatalie : very important to make sure that the swelling does not hinder your dads airway, this was the reason for admit of this gentleman. [/b]

Thanks, he keeps swearing that he's had no difficulty breathing, swallowing, or anything like that. I just figured the hives/itching would have subsided after 5 or 6 days and 2 or 3 days on treatment.

Thx again