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April 7, 2008, 12:31 pm
Flag as Inappropriate melanie  

Does anyone get a regular allergy shots? I've heard if you get a regular shot for something you're allergic to it can almost cure your allergy?

Is this true?

I knew someone in high school that once a month he had to get bee shots since he was allergic. He said it helps more to calm him down (give him more time to get stung then give himself the allergy shot), not sure if that works with all allergies though.

I have never had one, but from what I read on Web MD it sounds like it would only be worth it only if you have extremely severe allergies.

Here is how it works:

Allergy shots are given regularly (in the upper arm), with gradually increasing doses. When starting immunotherapy, you will need to go to your healthcare provider once or twice a week for several months. The dose is increased each time until the maintenance dose is reached. If the shots are effective, you will go to your healthcare provider every 2 to 4 weeks for 2 to 5 more years. You may become less sensitive to allergens during this time, and your allergy symptoms will become milder and may even go away completely.

More

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/shots

I've never liked the idea of allergy shots. I was recommended them as a child but having a fear of needles made OTC meds more useful than strapping me down to give shots. I have known people who swear by them though.

I have a relative who is highly allergic to cats and has major seasonal allergies. She gets a monthly shot and swears by it because she never has to deal with the seasonal allergies any more and can even be around cats for a while without it effecting her. I don't think she's ever missed a shot or stopped taking it, though, so I don't know about the "curing" part.