expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.

Allergist & Immunologist

Dr. Monika Korff practices Allergy and Immunology care in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Korff specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. Allergist-Immunologists are trained and certified to treat each patients sensitivity and response to allergens of varying severity. Dr. Korff provides several means of testing and treatment to increase immunity to potentially harmful substances.
23 years Experience
Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.
  • Columbia, MD
  • Loma Linda University
  • Accepting new patients

Is it alright to take the third dose of the vaccine 2 weeks after the second dose?

I would advise against it. There is no evidence to rely on to ensure this is safe. There are no certificates that arrive for the vaccine. You get the card filled out immediately. READ MORE
I would advise against it. There is no evidence to rely on to ensure this is safe. There are no certificates that arrive for the vaccine. You get the card filled out immediately. If you need proof, then go on Immune net or MyIr.com, select your state, and get your record that way.

What can I give my child for mouth ulcers?

I am sorry your child is struggling with it - it can be very uncomfortable. Unfortunately there is no easy answer. There can be many reasons - sensitivity to tooth paste, gum and READ MORE
I am sorry your child is struggling with it - it can be very uncomfortable. Unfortunately there is no easy answer. There can be many reasons - sensitivity to tooth paste, gum and teeth health, there are also sensitivities to metals - drinking from cans, etc that can ne a problem. Viral infections, aphthous ulcers are common. Lastly, there are also some systemic disorders such as autoimmune ones. I would suggest you start with visit to the pediatrician - take pictures when the ulcers are active - and if he needs any specialists I am sure the pediatrician will suggest proper work-up. 

Monika Korff, MD

My seasonal allergies are severe?

I am sorry to hear you have such an experience. I would strongly suggest that you see an allergist for proper testing and evaluation. People with extensive environmental allergies READ MORE
I am sorry to hear you have such an experience. I would strongly suggest that you see an allergist for proper testing and evaluation. People with extensive environmental allergies over time can develop some food sensitivities - there are several possibilities and syndromes. In order to give you the best advice, proper testing and evaluation needs to be done by a well-trained and knowledgeable allergist.

Sincerely,

Monika Korff, MD

Is the shots going to be sore before 7 days?

I am sorry you are still sore, but with time, the discomfort will resolve. You should be sharing this with your parents and care providers and they will decide if you need a check-up READ MORE
I am sorry you are still sore, but with time, the discomfort will resolve. You should be sharing this with your parents and care providers and they will decide if you need a check-up for this. 

Monika Korff, MD

How do I know if I’m allergic to peaches or cherries?

You should see an allergist and have proper allergy testing and address the symptoms you are experiencing when eating. 

Monika Korff, MD

Bee sting on head causing facial swelling at bridge of nose into eyes?

You certainly need to see an allergist for proper testing and evaluation as well as advice on treatment. 

Monika Korff, MD

How important is it to get the flu shot this fall?

Flu shots are important not only this fall, but every year. They help protect against an illness that is the most common reason people get sick and miss work/school. Flu shots READ MORE
Flu shots are important not only this fall, but every year. They help protect against an illness that is the most common reason people get sick and miss work/school. Flu shots have a long history of safety and I strongly recommend that your whole family receives the seasonal influenza vaccine yearly.

Monika Korff, MD

Can allergy testing be done at home?

Proper allergy test should be performed by well trained staff and in the office of an allergist. It is not an invasive procedure but requires specific training. At this time COVID READ MORE
Proper allergy test should be performed by well trained staff and in the office of an allergist. It is not an invasive procedure but requires specific training. At this time COVID should not be an obstacle.

My child is allergic to the flu shot will they be able to get a covid-19 vaccine?

I would strongly advise you see an allergist who can review the reaction your child had to the flu shot and determine what kind of reaction it was and will that impact her risk READ MORE
I would strongly advise you see an allergist who can review the reaction your child had to the flu shot and determine what kind of reaction it was and will that impact her risk for the COVID vaccine. It does not necessarily mean COVID vaccine is contraindicated but you will need a detailed evaluation before any recommendations are made

Allergies?

I strongly advise with your history to have a formal visit with an allergist who can assess your risk and determine the right course of action for you. This is the not the right READ MORE
I strongly advise with your history to have a formal visit with an allergist who can assess your risk and determine the right course of action for you. This is the not the right forum to discuss your medical history in detail.

Can an adult or child be allergic to the flu shot?

True allergic reactions to vaccines do occur, though they are quire rare. Most of the time, if people have adverse events following a vaccination, they refer to it as allergy. READ MORE
True allergic reactions to vaccines do occur, though they are quire rare. Most of the time, if people have adverse events following a vaccination, they refer to it as allergy. I would advise having a formal consult with an allergist who is trained to recognize and treat true allergic reactions to vaccines, medications, foods, etc.

Hives?

Hives are a common condition that can begin suddenly without any warning. Very few cases are actually related to allergies but if the hives are not resolving or are spreading you READ MORE
Hives are a common condition that can begin suddenly without any warning. Very few cases are actually related to allergies but if the hives are not resolving or are spreading you should have an evaluation by an allergist. We treat this condition very often so you can get a treatment plan and have all of your questions answered.

Salt allergy?

This is not a sign of allergy. I would make sure he has plenty of liquids to drink with his meals but there is no indication for avoidance of salt or other spices.

Covid Vaccine?

A lot of patients can have side effects from injections at the dentist - sometimes epinephrine is the issue, other times it can be the local anesthetic. None of those classes READ MORE
A lot of patients can have side effects from injections at the dentist - sometimes epinephrine is the issue, other times it can be the local anesthetic. None of those classes of medications are in the COVID vaccine and you should get the vaccine. If you are concerned however, you can certainly schedule a visit with an allergist to review your history and see if any testing maybe indicated to alleviate any of your fears.

Are at home allergy kits reliable?

I would not suggest you rely on those. The reliable way to get results you can trust is to have an allergist decide which type of allergy testing to order for you. The tests that READ MORE
I would not suggest you rely on those. The reliable way to get results you can trust is to have an allergist decide which type of allergy testing to order for you. The tests that we use have been tested over the years and proven to be reliable and accurate which is why insurance companies cover such testing while kits like the one you are referring to need to be self pay.

Can a child die from a peanut allergy?

An IGE mediated allergy to any food or medication has the potential to result in a devastating outcome. I would advise you discuss all aspects of your daughter's allergy with her READ MORE
An IGE mediated allergy to any food or medication has the potential to result in a devastating outcome. I would advise you discuss all aspects of your daughter's allergy with her allergist and be prepared/educated on how to not only preventing but also recognizing and treating such reactions.

Is there a genetic predisposition to a peanut allergy?

The short answer is yes. Parental history of any allergies raises the risk of development of allergies in the children. The specific allergies in the parents are not directly transmitted READ MORE
The short answer is yes. Parental history of any allergies raises the risk of development of allergies in the children. The specific allergies in the parents are not directly transmitted to the children - meaning peanut allergy in one parents does not mean the child will automatically have peanut allergy . More so that the child will likely develop it's own allergies - sometimes they are to foods, other times to inhalants, etc.

How to manage an allergy to shellfish?

The only way too manage shellfish allergies unfortunately is by avoiding that food group. I would advise to seek a formal allergy evaluation with proper testing to assess risk READ MORE
The only way too manage shellfish allergies unfortunately is by avoiding that food group. I would advise to seek a formal allergy evaluation with proper testing to assess risk of anaphylaxis and discuss how to manage such reactions should they ever occur.

What can I do for my son's seasonal allergy?

Yes, allergens immunotherapy is an approved and very effective treatment for environmental allergies. You should have your son evaluated by an allergist who specializes in allergen READ MORE
Yes, allergens immunotherapy is an approved and very effective treatment for environmental allergies. You should have your son evaluated by an allergist who specializes in allergen immunotherapy.

How to prevent bee sting allergy?

There is no way to prevent bee allergy. Allergy shots once the allergy has develop help to minimize risk. Most reactions to stings in children are not life threatening but you READ MORE
There is no way to prevent bee allergy. Allergy shots once the allergy has develop help to minimize risk. Most reactions to stings in children are not life threatening but you should have your daughter tested by an allergist. We are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of variety of allergies including venom allergies.