How can I live with a cat I am alergic to?

My daughter just recently got a kitten (yesterday) that I absolutely love. However, I have noticed a great deal of difficulty in breathing today. It is like asthma phlegm type of thing happening. I have been tested as allergic to cats (level 5 allergy) but obviously not all cats because I have had cats all my life. I do not want to take this cat back and allergy shots take a while to take effect. What can I do in the meantime to calm down the allergies/breathing issues? Any suggestions? Anyone have a similar experience? HELP- we love this kitty!