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Allergic Reaction (cont.)

Other Therapy

Allergy shots: These are given to some people who have persistent and disruptive allergy symptoms.

  • The shots do not treat symptoms, but by altering the immune response they prevent future reactions. (This is referred to as immunotherapy.)


  • Treatment involves a series of shots, each containing a slightly greater amount of the antigen(s) that cause the reaction.


  • Ideally, the person will become "desensitized" to the antigen(s) over time.


  • The effectiveness of shots varies by individual.


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