Mythbuster: Are hives or other skin symptoms always present with a severe allergic reaction?

FACT: Some anaphylactic reactions occur without any skin symptoms.

Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction so that you can give life-saving treatment early. Most allergic reactions happen within minutes to a few hours after contact with an allergen. Symptoms and severity of a reaction can differ each time. Keep in mind that an allergic reaction can start with mild symptoms that can get worse quickly.

Bottom line: An allergic reaction can occur without skin symptoms (e.g. hives or swelling) and not every reaction will always look the same, a person can have different symptoms each time.

Bonus: Watch this two-minute video to learn more about the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

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