Cause of Hives

[roy m]

My wife, aged 81 recently had a severe coughing spell. Our Dr. prescribed prednizol and a codine based cough medicine. The cough was cleared up. My wife was called back in 3 days later for her annual flu shot. A day later she has broken out with severe hives. Our MD is not available for a few days, so I thought I would investigate on my own. Could this be a reaction to the flu shot? The medication? Both? or something not related to either? I undeerstand and antihistine would help. Correct?

[rcherie]

First of all when your MD returns you want to look into getting an epipen for your wife.  Even if the reaction was as mild as hives the next time she could go into full antiphlactic shock. You have to be quite tender with allergies and your wife's advanced age could pose a complication.  It sounds as though the flu shot and the medications that she is on may have had an adverse affect combined.  You should speak with your pharmacist since your MD isn;t available.  I hope this is helpful

[maatson]

Codeine is well known to induce non-immune urticaria.