Flu medicines Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about flu medicines
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I'm allergic to eggs and I've heard the flu vaccine contains egg - can I still have it?
- I had the flu vaccine yesterday and have had a headache and temperature since then - is it possible the vaccine has given me flu?
- If there is a flu pandemic, will I be able to get treatment with flu medicines?
I'm allergic to eggs and I've heard the flu vaccine contains egg - can I still have it?
The vaccine doesn't actually contain any egg products, but it's still likely that you won't be able to have the vaccine. This is because the vaccine is produced by growing a strain of the virus inside hens' eggs.
Explanation
The flu vaccine is made by placing a strain of the vaccine into a hen's egg where it's left to grow before being killed and purified. Therefore, although the vaccine doesn't actually have egg in it, it may have been contaminated with egg products. If you have a severe egg allergy which means that you need to go to hospital for urgent treatment if you eat anything with egg in it, your GP will probably advise you not to have the flu vaccine. However, if you are in one of the groups of people who are most at risk of complications from flu, your GP may still suggest having the vaccine. If you decide to have it, you will be given the vaccine in hospital so you can receive emergency treatment if you do have a severe reaction. Talk to your GP before having the flu vaccine if you think you may be allergic to eggs or egg products.
You shouldn't have the flu vaccine if you are allergic to the antibiotics neomycin, kanamycin or gentamicin, or any other substance that is found in the vaccine. If you have had the flu vaccine before and had an allergic reaction to it, you shouldn't have it again.
Further information
- The Anaphylaxis Campaign
01252 542029
www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Sources
- Influenza. The disease and vaccine. NHS Immunisation Information. www.immunisation.nhs.uk, accessed 28 April 2008
- Egg allergy. The Anaphylaxis Campaign. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk, accessed 28 April 2008
I had the flu vaccine yesterday and have had a headache and temperature since then - is it possible the vaccine has given me flu?
No, you can't get flu from the flu vaccine.
Explanation
The flu vaccine is made using a form of the virus that has been inactivated. It doesn't contain any live virus so it can't cause an infection. The vaccine can sometimes cause symptoms that may seem like flu, such as aching muscles or a temperature. However, this isn't flu and just means your body's immune system is reacting to the vaccine to build up protection. The symptoms are likely to go after a couple of days, although you may wish to use painkillers such as paracetamol to relieve them. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
The most common side-effect of having the flu vaccine is a sore arm where the vaccine was injected. There is a very rare chance that you will develop a more serious complication after having the flu vaccine. However, the risk of this is about one in a million and is much less than the risk of developing complications caused by getting flu.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk
Sources
- Flu FAQ. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
- Flu immunisation campaign. Families First for Health. www.childrenfirstforhealth.co.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
- Influenza. The disease and vaccine. NHS Immunisation Information. www.immunisation.nhs.uk, accessed 28 April 2008
If there is a flu pandemic, will I be able to get treatment with flu medicines?
If a flu pandemic is declared and you develop symptoms, you will probably be given the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
Explanation
The UK government has built up a stock of enough oseltamivir to treat anyone who develops symptoms of flu and has had them for less than 48 hours. Research has shown that if you start taking the medicine within this length of time, your symptoms probably won't last as long and will be less severe than if you hadn't taken the medicine.
If the rate at which infection spreads is greater than has been predicted, certain groups of people will be given priority, such as healthcare workers. Even though antivirals can help to prevent flu in people who have been exposed to the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) doesn't recommend that everyone is given them. This is because doing this could mean that the flu virus is able to develop resistance to the medicines more quickly.
It's important to remember that there will only be a limited amount of antiviral medicines available. It's also not known whether they will be as effective against a new strain of flu.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - World Health Organization
www.who.int
Sources
- Pandemic flu. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 29 April 2008
- WHO handbook for journalists: influenza pandemic. World Health Organization, 2005. www.who.int
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Medicines for flu factsheet
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