Could Tuberculosis Vaccine Cause Fever,sore Throat And Allergies?
Question: About 5 months ago I was administered the tuberculosis vaccine at a correctional facility and I have noticed that from the next day after the vaccine was administered I have been getting sick, first it started with severe flu like symptoms for which I was given antibiotic for and I got better. But then about a month after that I got a sore throat and the doctor said it was because I have rhinitis and allergies but I have never had allergies and he prescribed nasal sprays. I continued with a mild sore throat and for a month now I have experienced ear pressure and I was prescribed singulair. I wanted to know if the vaccine can be causing all this because before the vaccine I would never get sick, especially because the symptoms continue. Are there any tests that I should do?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be related
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms XXXX,
Thanks for the query. It is highly unlikely that there is a current connection between these late symptoms and the TB vaccine; usually, it is well tolerated and the most common side effects are local, in terms of pain and irritation at the injection site; rarely, a person may have a transient flu like period for a couple of days. Probably some basic tests are warranted, such as a complete blood count with differential, a test called IgE (that measures if there is evidence of an allergic tendency) and a check up by a provider who can take a look at your throat and ears.
Hope that is useful, wish you the best,
Dr. Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar