Does the flu shot help with seasonal allergies?

Jul 18

The beginning of March not only marks the beginning of Spring but also the return of allergy symptoms for many people in the US. However, if you live in Arizona, you might find that allergens like pollen or dust mites are present all year round, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing or even asthma.

With allergies being a constant concern, it’s worth questioning how other health factors, like the seasonal flu and associated vaccinations, can impact these allergic reactions.

Arizona’s arid climate and the fact that many species pollinate year-round can make it a particularly challenging place for people with allergies. This constant exposure to allergens can leave individuals in discomfort; negatively impacting their quality of life, making effective allergy management strategies a priority.

Come winter, people with asthma are more at risk for flu complications, especially if their asthma is not well controlled. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections. It’s also possible for the flu to worsen asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks. This is why flu vaccination is very important. But you might wonder, “How does the flu vaccine relate to seasonal allergies?”

To answer that question, we going to take a closer look at what exactly the flu is, what are the symptoms and how efficient the vaccine can be, especially for people with allergies.

WHAT IS THE FLU?

The influenza virus, (or the flu) is a contagious infectious disease caused by the different strains of the influenza virus and it can circulate throughout the year.

In the United States, influenza usually starts around October and lasts until late May, with the peak incidence of flu usually occurring between December and February. The two major influenza viruses are Type A and Type B and they can affect both children and adults.

IS IT FLU OR ALLERGY? HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE TWO?

Distinguishing between the flu and allergies can be a challenge as both can affect the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, congestion, or cough. While there’s overlap, several crucial differences can help identify the root cause of your discomfort.

The flu, caused by the influenza virus, can result in a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including high fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, body aches, and a cough. Contrarily, allergy symptoms predominantly include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, and a cough. The severity of these symptoms can also range from mild to severe.

Two distinguishing signs can help separate the two conditions:

Fever
Itchy and watery eyes.

Allergies don’t typically cause a fever, and flu rarely leads to itchy, watery eyes—a classic sign of allergies.

It’s also important to understand the different underlying causes. Allergies are the result of the immune system’s overreaction to substances such as pollen or dust mites, which are generally harmless. The flu, however, is an infectious disease triggered by a virus.

For diagnosis and treatment, if you suspect allergies, a consultation with a board-certified allergist is advisable. For milder flu symptoms, people often recover on their own with rest and hydration. However, flu complications can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia or sinusitis, or exacerbate pre-existing health issues like asthma or diabetes. If symptoms persist or become severe, seek immediate medical attention.

WHY IS THE FLU VACCINE RECOMMENDED AND WHO CAN TAKE IT?

Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season, especially people who are at high risk of complications. Flu shots have important benefits like making the symptoms less severe and reducing flu-related hospitalizations.

Getting vaccinated not only protects you from the flu but also helps to protect those around you who might be more vulnerable to serious flu illness, such as infants, elderly people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

While no vaccine is 100% effective, flu shots still lower the chance of catching the virus and make symptoms less severe and, since viruses change, the flu vaccine is updated each year.

DOES THE FLU SHOT HELP WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

The flu vaccine does not directly alleviate allergy symptoms. However, it plays a vital role in overall health management for individuals with allergies, particularly those with allergic asthma.

By preventing the flu, which can worsen respiratory symptoms, the flu vaccine helps mitigate potential complications that could exacerbate allergy symptoms.

While the flu vaccine helps manage related health risks, allergen-specific immunotherapy, often referred to as ‘allergy shots,’ is a targeted treatment for allergies themselves. This therapy involves regular injections that contain minuscule quantities of specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. Over time, these doses incrementally increase, gradually training your immune system to become less reactive to these allergens.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is not a quick fix but a long-term solution. Its effects can be remarkable, not only providing symptom control but potentially altering the disease’s course and significantly improving the quality of life for allergy sufferers.

Regular encounters with allergy symptoms should prompt a consultation with an allergy specialist. These professionals can conduct comprehensive allergy testing to identify the specific allergens causing your reactions. Once the triggers are identified, they can devise a tailored action plan, which may include allergen immunotherapy, to effectively manage your allergy symptoms.

Early identification and timely intervention are critical to minimizing allergies’ impact on your life. If you suspect that you may have allergies, don’t hesitate to consult an allergy specialist for a consultation. Their expertise can guide you towards a more comfortable and symptom-free life.

THE TAKEAWAY

Despite Arizona’s desert climate and its persisting warmer weather, seasonal allergies are a reality for many of its residents. Blooming flowers signal the onset of spring allergy season in many parts of the country, bringing with it the all-too-familiar symptoms of itchy, watery eyes and non-stop sneezing. While these symptoms can mirror those of the flu, especially regarding the respiratory system, it’s important to remember that the flu is more common from October to May, and getting a vaccine can mitigate the symptoms or prevent you from catching it altogether.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy, however, remains the only therapy for allergies with long-lasting effects. Our team of allergy specialists is here to assist with any allergy-related concerns, provide consultations, conduct comprehensive testing, and recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy for your unique needs.