Wearing mask during flu season

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I am allergic to the flu shot and many of you know I have to wear a mask. I work 12 hour shifts and yes change my mask as often as possible. Almost every shift I ended light headed feel like I can not breath at times it feels like I am having PVC's it happens every flu season. While working a code the other day I actually thought I was going to pass out. I was doing compressions we don't have a big crew here so we all have to do them. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to breath easier.

Apparently there is a flu vaccine that uses no egg based products in its development. Don't know how hard it is to get a hold of, though.

How Influenza (Flu) Vaccines Are Made

| Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

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Thank you all for the suggestions. I am not allergic to eggs there are still a few things in the preservative free vaccine and with how severe my reaction was my Dr does not want to risk it.

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Specializes in hospice, LTC, public health, occupational health.
Thank you all for the suggestions. I am not allergic to eggs there are still a few things in the preservative free vaccine and with how severe my reaction was my Dr does not want to risk it.

Wow. Must've been bad. Sorry, that really sucks.

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Thank you all for the suggestions. I am not allergic to eggs there are still a few things in the preservative free vaccine and with how severe my reaction was my Dr does not want to risk it.

I'm still curious about what exactly your reaction consisted of . . . ?

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

I had allergic reactions to flu vaccine in the past but was very set against masking all season. Thankfully I was able to tolerate it retrialling it with premeditation.

I rolled my eyes so hard at this before realizing that it was a typo. :sarcastic:

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Are you sure you're allergic?

Have you looked into alternative options? There is a shot now that can be given to those who are allergic to eggs.

Flublok Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

| Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

The only other thing I can think of is to try different brands and styles of masks to see if there is one that is more breathable and comfortable for you.

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Specializes in Oncology.
I rolled my eyes so hard at this before realizing that it was a typo. :sarcastic:

Hahaha. Darn autocorrect! I didn't catch that. It was benadryl and hydrocortisone. Along with some visualizing myself getting the shot without reacting :roflmao:

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We only have to mask within 6 ft of a patient, so you don't have to mask at the nurses station, hall, etc. I'd check your policy to see if it's similar, that way you could get more than 30 secs at a time. I hate masks. I could never be an OR nurse.

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This is a good idea. Also, new intradermal vaccines use such smaller quantities, maybe that would be tolerable?

I had allergic reactions to flu vaccine in the past but was very set against masking all season. Thankfully I was able to tolerate it retrialling it with premeditation. I'm not saying to so this- but maybe another option to discuss with your doctor.

In the mean time- try and take 30 second breathers as you can in the break room.

I think the employee health nurse would be a good place to start.

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Arm started swelling up at site then the rash spread all over body face mouth was tingly felt like couldn't breathe happened pretty quick after administration

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