What is Serum Sickness

Serum sickness is a response to certain injections which contain horse serum. The patient may be allergic to certain immunization procedures and should be tested before receiving them. Injection material made from horse serum, or incubated on egg yolk, may cause sensitivity.

The symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting and fever, and hives, with swelling of the glands. Joints may become swollen and painful. The treatment is adrenaline, antihistamines, and cortisone.