Drug/Insect/Latex News

Risk factors for sensitization to alpha-gal include tick bites, male sex and polysensitization to food or airborne allergens, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

Symptoms ranging from minor to life-threatening were reported in a single-site study of patients with alpha-gal syndrome, according to a poster presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

Most pregnant women who believed they had a penicillin allergy were not allergic and tolerated penicillin during labor, according to results of a retrospective study.

The combination of NSAID use and exercise can elicit anaphylaxis in certain individuals, according to a medically challenging case report presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

As guidance emerges and COVID-19 vaccine booster shots become available, patients may have additional questions for their clinicians about whether they are eligible for a third dose.

National Penicillin Allergy Day is Sept. 28, which acknowledges the day in 1928 when Sir Alexander Fleming, FRS, FRSE, FRCS, discovered that Penicillium mold secretes an antibacterial substance.

Revaccination among patients with suspected allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine appeared safe after diagnostic workup to assess for drug excipient allergy, according to data published in Clinical and Translational Allergy.

Although the CDC lists a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine as a contraindication for the second dose, a study found most individuals with a dose one reaction received dose two safely.

The PEN-FAST clinical decision tool can assist in efficient amoxicillin allergy assessment based on four recognizable features, according to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Allergists and immunologists can play a vital role in educating the public about COVID-19 vaccines, dispelling misinformation and creating greater trust in their use, according to one of the speakers at the Eastern Allergy Conference.