February 23, 2009

Health Tip: Getting Answers About Allergy Shots

(HealthDay News) -- If you have allergies and are tired of battling their symptoms, you should ask your doctor about allergy shots.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this information about allergy shots:

• Allergy shots are often effective against pollen allergies, eye allergies, allergies to bee stings and allergic reactions to some medications.
• Pregnant women should not start taking allergy shots, but might be able to keep taking them if the shots began before pregnancy.
• People with bad asthma or heart problems usually shouldn't get allergy shots.
• Children under age 5 usually shouldn't get allergy shots.
• Initially, allergy shots are given once or twice a week. Eventually, the frequency will drop to about once a month.
• It may take at least six months to get relief from symptoms after you begin allergy shots.

-- Diana Kohnle

id=624269