Is an end to dog allergies in sight?

26th January 2022

Is an end to dog allergies in sight?

For any animal lover, a dog allergy is as bad as it can get. Missing out on cuddling up to a furry friend isn’t a prospect many like the sound of. But for some people, it’s their reality. As many as 3 in 10 people could have an allergy to dogs (and cats). And it’s common in people who already have allergic asthma or hay fever.

But researchers in Japan might have laid the groundwork for an answer to people’s dog allergy woes. One preliminary study shows positive signs for creating a dog allergy vaccine. While we’ll stress it’s very early days, it could be promising. Let’s look at what they’ve been up to.

The research

Towards the end of 2021, researchers published their early findings in the Federation of European Biochemical Societies journal. Now, before we dive into it, it’s worth mentioning that there are actually seven types of dog allergens – the molecules that cause an allergic reaction. So finding one single “cure” isn’t simple.

But one particular allergen – “Can f 1” – causes the majority of allergic reactions to dogs. Meaning figuring out an answer to this one could help a lot of people. The problem is that not much is known about its structure. Specifically, its ‘epitopes’ – the part that is recognised by our immune system and leads to an allergic reaction.

So the research so far has involved a process called “X-ray crystallography”. This has been used to shed some light on the structure of Can f 1 and, hopefully, narrow down where this epitope is on it.

The results

Through the X-ray crystallography, the researchers found some similarities to other dog allergens. But the key is in the differences they found in the electrical charges. This could lead them to some good candidates for the epitope.

What’s next? Further research is needed to narrow the candidates down, but it’s still a big step forward. The ultimate goal is to create a vaccine that introduces small amounts of the allergen into the system – no different from any other vaccine.

Talking about the work, Takashi Inui – a specialist in allergy research and lead author on the study – had this to say: “We want to be able to present small doses of these epitopes to the immune system to train it to deal with them, similar to the principle behind any vaccine. But we can’t do this without first identifying the Can f 1’s IgE epitope.”

In reality, what they find could mean a lot for many allergies, not just dog allergies. But that’s well in the future. For now, we’ll have to learn to live with our allergies and continue to look after our health. One day, though, we might be able to truly live in peace.

You can’t wait for an allergy vaccine, so don’t leave yours untreated. Our allergy specialists can help you cope with any sensitivities you may have and give you the best advice to stay safe. Register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

Allergies and the COVID vaccine: is there anything to worry about?

3rd November 2021

Allergies and the COVID vaccine: is there anything to worry about?

If anything encapsulates 2021, it’s the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. After 2020, this year has certainly felt more hopeful thanks to the tireless efforts of the medical community. But some people have hesitancy about the vaccine or booster shots, unaware of how it might affect them.

This includes those with allergies. As vaccines can be made with a number of ingredients, some people have wanted to wait until they’re 100% sure it won’t lead to a reaction. Now we have studies that show the risk to people with allergies is low. If you’re still unsure, here’s what the research has to say.

If you want to read more about it yourself, you can find the government’s report on the matter here. The results are in relation to the most popular vaccines: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna.

Can you be allergic to the ingredients?

Certain substances will cause people to have an allergic reaction. When it comes to a vaccine, there are a few in particular that might make you worried. But going by the report, there’s very little to worry about.

If you have an allergy to penicillin, you don’t have to worry. Similarly, there has been no statistically significant reports of people with severe food allergies reacting to any vaccine. This includes eggs – none of the vaccines contain any.

What about the equipment used?

Latex is a concern for some and it can cause awful skin reactions. It’s also used as a material in some medical devices, especially stoppers in vials. But none of the vaccines use latex for storing or administering the shot.

If you have an allergy to something like pollen or dust mites, there’s also no need to worry.

What if I had a skin reaction to the first dose?

In rare cases, some people may have reported patches of itchy skin after their first dose. Going by the government’s advice (linked above), you should still get your second dose. Though when you do, it should be under prolonged observation, in a setting capable of dealing with any reactions.

How common are severe reactions to vaccines?

Severe reactions are few and far between. Only 1 case per 1 million has led to anaphylaxis in the UK between 1997 and 2003. It wasn’t fatal. The COVID vaccines are likely to be at just as low a rate.

Something to note is that a side effect of the vaccine – such as swelling around the injection site or flu-like symptoms – can be confused with allergic reactions. Just keep this in mind when you have your vaccine.

You can find a lot more information in the government report linked at the start. If you have any allergies and are worried about a potential vaccine or booster shot, tell the people giving you the injection. The more information they have, the more they can do to keep you safe. Always talk to a medical professional first.

Other than that, make sure to get vaccinated, stay safe, and let’s make 2022 an even better year than this one!

If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with one of our specialists. They will talk you through any questions you might have. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

13th May 2020

Can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

With everything that is currently going on with the coronavirus, a potential vaccine is on everyone’s lips. It would be the next big step in stopping the virus that is ravaging the world. When it comes, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

It’s a long way away, but it’s still at the forefront of our minds. But for some, they might be worried about an allergic reaction. It begs the question: can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

Why vaccines are safe

The short answer is yes, you can have an allergic reaction to a vaccine. But the chances of having an anaphylactic shock in response to a vaccine is about 1 in 760,000. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning this year (1 in 700,000). A doctor would never recommend you forgo a vaccine just on this random chance.

To add to that, were you to have an extremely unlikely reaction, they tend to happen within minutes of the injection. This means your doctor can respond immediately and keep you safe. The chances of having a reaction hours after the injection are even slimmer. Basically, you’ve never been in safer hands.

Am I having a reaction?

Sometimes, people can interpret symptoms after the injection as an allergic reaction. A fever, pain, chills, swelling, and headaches are just some of the ailments people report having. And they can happen days after the immunisation. But these aren’t allergic reactions.

This is your body responding to the vaccine. They work by giving you a little bit of the virus, allowing you to build up an immunity to it. By activating your immune system, it will create the white blood cells you need to fight off the actual virus.

If you do have a reaction to something, the likelihood is it’s from something else in the injection process. The latex in the rubber stoppers used in vials might end up on your skin, causing a reaction. While actual latex isn’t used so much today for these stoppers, it might still be an answer worth exploring. Talk to your doctor about it.

There’s a lot of false information about vaccines on the internet. What’s important is you trust your doctors and take their advice on the issue. If we want to beat coronavirus – or any virus, period – we need to use vaccines to make us a healthier society. If you have any allergy concerns, talk them through with an allergist who can give you the best advice.

We are allergy experts who can answer any burning questions you may have. It’s a scary time and we want you to feel comfortable about your allergies. Feel free to get in touch with us on 02031 433 449 or visit our website.

Seasonal allergies: why you need the flu vaccination

30th October 2018

Seasonal allergies: why you need the flu vaccination

With winter quickly approaching, the public is already suffering from runny noses, coughs, and colds. But sometimes these symptoms can be more than the common cold; they could be signs of the flu. But what exactly is the flu and how does it differ from your run of the mill common cold?

What is it?

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that is most common during the winter. There are three types: A, B, and C.

• Type A: This type of flu is the culprit behind significant outbreaks that occur every few years. Unlike B and C, A type flu infects both humans and animals, such as wild birds.
• Type B: Less common than A and only found in humans.
• Type C: Not as dangerous as B and A, and unlikely to cause an epidemic.

Although colds and the flu are both contagious and have similar side effects, the difference is that you may experience a fever, body aches, and exhaustion for a prolonged length of time with the flu. Another sign that you may have the flu is that, unlike a common illness, it can seem to come on out of nowhere.

Other symptoms include:

• Dry, chesty cough
• A sore throat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or being sick

At risk groups

Although plenty of rest, water, and pain medication can help to treat your flu, it’s recommended that the public have the flu vaccination. Especially if you have allergies.

People with allergies may have a weakened immune system, making them an at-risk group. Other groups that the vaccination is recommended to include:

• People suffering from chronic illnesses
• Those who are pregnant
• People over the age of 65

Allergies

Unfortunately, the flu vaccination isn’t safe for everyone. As the vaccination is made using egg, this may put people who have an egg allergy at risk of an allergic reaction.

If you have allergies, be sure to talk to your GP before getting the vaccination so that you aren’t at risk. If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with allergies, but want to get the flu vaccination, an allergy test may be a good idea so that you can rule out further illness, especially if you suspect that you have an allergy to vaccination ingredients like eggs.

In the past, individuals with an egg allergy were discouraged from having the flu vaccination, but experts say that might not be the best course of action. If you’re concerned, it’s best to discuss your allergy with your GP. Under the care of a professional, a flu vaccination may still be the right option if the allergy isn’t life-threatening.

To prevent the spread of the flu, you should wash your hands regularly, use tissues when you sneeze or cough, and avoid being around people with flu or cold symptoms.

The winter can be stressful enough without allergies and conditions like asthma or eczema being added to the mix. To protect yourself, we highly recommend allergy tests; this can help to determine whether symptoms are allergens or the flu, as symptoms such as runny noses or itchy eyes are common in both.

If you think that you have allergies, why not test yourself at home? Request a home test kit or contact one of our consultants today to find out more.

Do vaccinations cause allergies?

16th July 2018

Do vaccinations cause allergies?

It’s that time of year again. The children have almost finished school and summer is in full swing. With airfares cheaper than ever, you could travel to places far more exotic than the UK. But, different countries, continents, cities, and ways of life all have different risks.

For example, there are various diseases that you find across the globe. Of course, that shouldn’t put you off going on the trip of a lifetime. There are travel vaccinations that can prevent you from picking up anything nasty. They will allow you to enjoy your holiday worry-free. But some people worry about what effects vaccines can have, and we’re here to tell you not to worry.

What happens when people don’t get vaccinated?

The number of people who are questioning whether there is a relationship between getting vaccinations and developing allergies is growing. Even in the UK, this perceived danger surrounding vaccinations is leading many parents to avoid vaccinating their children.

The immune system has developed to protect us from horrible diseases, but it has its limits. The reluctance to use vaccinations has led to a failure in the herd immunity phenomenon. Outbreaks of measles and other diseases are occurring, and these can be fatal. Taking a risk like avoiding vaccination while travelling abroad can be even more dangerous. Diseases much more severe than measles lurk across the world. So, getting your travel vaccinations is a safe choice.

Will my travel vaccinations cause allergies?

There is currently no reliable evidence to suggest that vaccinations lead to allergy development. Some studies indicate that there is a link between vaccinations and allergy development in children. However, there are problems with these studies.

Firstly, a link does not mean causality. Just because two things are associated does not mean one causes the other. There could be other variables that come into play without the researcher’s knowledge. Secondly, the studies that suggest a relationship between allergies and asthma are often based on anecdotal research, observation, and don’t have representative sample sizes. When studies incorporate these factors into their design, there is no evidence for a relationship between vaccinations and allergies.

There is much more research into the relationship between vaccines and allergies, spanning decades, but scientists have found no causal link. The research shows a mixture of evidence, but ultimately, there is no reliable research to suggest vaccines cause allergies.

Should I get travel vaccinations?

In the UK, people can make up their own minds about whether they want to be vaccinated. Keep in mind that there’s no evidence to support a link between vaccinations and allergies. But, there is extensive research to prove vaccines prevent the contraction of many fatal diseases.

Getting travel vaccinations can protect you from a variety of dangerous pathogens and diseases found overseas. These include typhoid, polio, measles mumps and rubella, yellow fever, multiple types of meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, and others that can be life-changing, or even fatal. Some countries take disease spreading so seriously that without the corresponding vaccination, they won’t grant you entry.

If you have developed an allergy, and aren’t quite sure of the cause, book an appointment with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. You can develop an allergy at any time, and we are the best people to help you discover what triggers your symptoms and how best to treat them.