When you’re filling out your paperwork for a flu shot this season, you may see a question that makes you stop: “Does the person to be vaccinated have an allergy to eggs?”

You may begin to wonder: “Do I? How would I know? Does that mean I can’t get the vaccine?”

All valid questions and concerns. If you're wondering whether you have an egg allergy, it's important to understand what your body is telling you and what steps to take next. Plus, the good news? Getting the flu shot is safe, and we'll explain why.

What Happens During an Egg Allergy?

An egg allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly treats proteins found in eggs as a threat. When you eat eggs (or foods containing them), your body releases histamine and other chemicals in response. This immune overreaction triggers the symptoms you experience. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may, unfortunately, already be familiar with histamine and turn to an antihistamine to combat it.

Here's something important to note: egg white is more allergenic than egg yolk, meaning reactions to egg white are more common. Both contain proteins that can trigger allergies, but egg white has higher levels of allergens.

Now, if you’re thinking an egg allergy would’ve been something that was noticed when you were a kid, and you’re probably out of the woods as an adult — think again. Egg allergies can develop at any age. However, it is more common in children since, out of the roughly 2% of children who have egg allergies, nearly 70% outgrow them by age 6.

However, some people — about 0.1 to 0.2% of adults — continue dealing with them into adulthood. Whether you developed your allergy as a child or it popped up unexpectedly later in life, understanding your symptoms is important.

What Do Symptoms Look Like?

Egg allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they show up differently in different people, making them a bit tricky to identify the leading cause. Skin reactions like hives, itching, swelling, and eczema flare-ups are common. Some people also experience respiratory issues like a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Digestive symptoms are also typical. You might feel stomach pain and cramping, nausea, or diarrhea. In rare cases, severe egg allergies can lead to anaphylaxis — a severe reaction that causes difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, which requires emergency medical attention.

The timing matters too. Symptoms usually happen within minutes to a few hours after eating eggs. For some people, just a few bites of a pastry or cake made with eggs trigger a reaction. For others, it takes a full serving. Everyone's tolerance level is different.

Is It an Allergy or an Intolerance?

This is important: egg allergy is not the same as egg intolerance. They're different things, and knowing which one you have changes how you manage it.

An egg allergy is an immune system response. Your body produces antibodies against egg proteins, triggering the histamine release we talked about earlier.

An egg intolerance is different. It's a digestive issue, not an immune response. With an intolerance, your digestive system struggles to process eggs, causing discomfort like bloating or upset stomach. The key difference? With an intolerance, you might be able to eat small amounts or certain forms of eggs (like baked eggs in a cake). With a true allergy, even traces can cause a reaction.

If you're unsure which one you have, your doctor can help you figure it out through testing.

How Is an Egg Allergy Diagnosed?

If you think you have an egg allergy, don't try to diagnose yourself. A health care provider can run several tests to confirm.

Diagnostic tests include skin testing (in which small quantities of egg proteins are introduced into your skin to check for reaction), egg-specific blood tests, and oral food challenges under medical supervision. Your doctor might also ask about your food history and symptoms.

The most accurate test is an oral food challenge done in a medical setting where your doctor can watch for reactions and treat them if needed. This is the gold standard for diagnosis because it shows exactly how your body responds to eggs in a controlled environment.

The Flu Shot Question: Can You Get It?

This is the question many egg-allergic people worry about. Here's the reassuring answer: yes, people with an egg allergy may receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status.

Here's why it's safe: Most flu vaccines are manufactured using egg-based technology and contain a small amount of egg proteins called ovalbumin. But studies show that severe allergic reactions in people with egg allergies from flu shots are unlikely.

The reason? The amount of egg protein in the vaccine is extremely small. Plus, guidelines have changed. In the past, people with egg allergies needed special precautions before getting the flu shot. Starting in 2023-2024, those extra safety measures are no longer necessary. People with egg allergies can now get the flu vaccine just like everyone else — no matter how severe their allergy is.

If you want some extra peace of mind, there are egg-free options. Recombinant flu vaccines like Flublok do not use the flu virus or chicken eggs in the manufacturing process and are available for adults 18 and older. Cell-based flu vaccines are another egg-free option.

The bottom line: Don't skip your flu shot because of an egg allergy. Getting vaccinated is far safer than risking the flu, which can cause serious complications.

Managing Your Egg Allergy

If you've been diagnosed with an egg allergy, your main strategy is avoiding eggs and foods that contain them. This includes obvious foods like scrambled eggs, but also less obvious ones like certain baked goods, mayonnaise, some pasta, and even some vaccines (though the flu shot is safe, as we discussed).

Always read food labels carefully and ask about ingredients when dining out. When eating at restaurants, tell your server about your allergy — they need to know so they can warn the kitchen staff.

If you have a severe allergy, your doctor might recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of accidental exposure or anaphylaxis.

When to See a Doctor

You should talk to a health care provider if:

• You think you might have an egg allergy but aren't sure
• Your allergy symptoms are getting worse
• You're unsure if a product is safe for you
• You need guidance on what to avoid
• You're concerned about vaccinations

Your doctor can confirm your allergy, help you understand your specific triggers, and create a plan that works for your life. They can also answer questions about hidden sources of eggs in foods and help you make safe choices.

Finding Support at Texas Health

Managing an egg allergy is easier when you have the right support. Whether you need allergy testing, help understanding your diagnosis, or guidance on staying safe, Texas Health is here for you.

Find a primary care physician who can help diagnose and manage your allergy.

Sources

• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Egg Allergy - StatPearls
• CDC: Flu Vaccines and People with Egg Allergies
• CDC: Recombinant Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
• PubMed Central: Single-dose influenza vaccination of patients with egg allergy in a multicenter study
• PubMed Central: Tolerance to heated egg in egg allergy: Explanations and implications for prevention and treatment
• PubMed Central: Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond