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Allergy shots--what you need to know.(Information from Your Family Doctor)
- Article from:
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American Family Physician
- Article date:
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August 15, 2004
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What are allergy shots?
Allergy shots contain small amounts of the things that you are allergic to. These things are called allergens. The dose of allergen starts very low and is slowly increased over many weeks. The goal is to increase your immunity (resistance) to the allergens, and to reduce your allergy symptoms. When this happens, you can take less allergy medicine.
Who benefits from allergy shots?
Allergy shots may help you if you have problems with allergies, such as:
Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose (allergic rhinitis)
Itchy, watery, or red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
A life-threatening reaction to insect stings
What is the schedule for the ...