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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Tongue Numbness After Flu Shot. Allergic Reaction?

I had a flu shot and a tb test last week on Tues, on Friday I started to notice a weird feeling on my tongue . It is sort of a numb, non tingling feeling and is noticeable on the left side. Also, the feeling now includes the left side of my lips . I am a 38yo male and have no other signs or symptoms. Could this be an allergic reaction from either injections? The tb test was red and indurated. The first tb test I ever had was negative (over 10yrs ago), the second was positive, the third was negative, and this recent one was positive. I have read that you can have an allergic reaction to certain manufacturers and is why it was positive the second time. Thank you.
Mon, 22 Oct 2012
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,
If the TB test you are referring to was the Mantoux test, then the positivity reflects either past immunization or exposure. There is usually no need to repeat this so many times as in you case. if the question is latent TB (i.e., the doctors think you may have TB, but not sure) then a new blood test is available called TB-Spot or QuantiFERON assay.
The flu shot is probably the seasonal influenza jab you had and if the symptoms happened within a few hours, it is possible you have sensitivity to one of the excipients in the jab. The common thing in both will be antibiotics like neomycin, but you need to check this.
People with severe egg allergy react to flu jabs, so please ensure if you have any symptoms of egg allergy you get this tested by a specific IgE blood test or skin test.
Thanks.
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Tongue Numbness After Flu Shot. Allergic Reaction?

Hello, If the TB test you are referring to was the Mantoux test, then the positivity reflects either past immunization or exposure. There is usually no need to repeat this so many times as in you case. if the question is latent TB (i.e., the doctors think you may have TB, but not sure) then a new blood test is available called TB-Spot or QuantiFERON assay. The flu shot is probably the seasonal influenza jab you had and if the symptoms happened within a few hours, it is possible you have sensitivity to one of the excipients in the jab. The common thing in both will be antibiotics like neomycin, but you need to check this. People with severe egg allergy react to flu jabs, so please ensure if you have any symptoms of egg allergy you get this tested by a specific IgE blood test or skin test. Thanks.