E-fuse cells and methods for protecting e-fuses are provided. An exemplary e-fuse cell includes an e-fuse having a first end coupled to a source node and a second end selectively coupled to a ground. Further, the exemplary e-fuse includes a selectively activated shunt path from the source node to the ground. Also, the exemplary e-fuse includes a device for activating the shunt path in response to an electrical overstress event.