WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING ALLERGY SHOTS

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy used to decrease the severity of allergy symptoms for certain allergies. They do not cure allergies but can help ease symptoms and reduce medicine use. The shots are given in two phases. During the build-up phase, small doses are given in increasing amounts for a period of six to ten  months, as the body adjusts to the allergens. Once an effective therapeutic dose is achieved, the maintenance phase begins, and injections are given about once every three to four weeks over a period of three to five years or longer. Although local reactions to allergy shots are common (such as redness and swelling at the injection site), serious reactions are rare.

P.S. Some studies have shown that allergy shots may stop asthma from developing in children with nasal allergies.

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