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Serum sickness

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms:

• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Hives
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes

Note: Symptoms usually do not develop until 7 - 21 days after the first dose of antiserum. However, some people may develop symptoms in 1 - 3 days if they have previously been exposed to the substance.

Signs and tests:

The lymph nodes may be enlarged and tender to the touch. The urine may contain blood or protein. Blood tests may show signs of blood vessel inflammation.

• Review Date: 5/30/2007
• Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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