>>When I was stung by a yellow jacket wasp, I called the poison control
center to ask this,
>>and they said yes, all hymenoptera are dangerous if one is allergic to the
honey bee."
Incorrect!
>>Correct me please if I'm wrong but I understood one could be allergic
>>to one type of bee but not the others because the venom is different.
Correct!
As one who almost died four years ago from an anaphylactic reaction to a
honeybee sting, and who has been stung by all manner of wasp, vespid,
hymnoptera and had nothing worse than what looked like a mosquito bite, I
can vouch for the fact that honeybee venom and vespid venoms are different
and you can be highly allergic to one and not the other. The poison control
center didn't know what they were talking about. (Of course, it is possible
that a person could be allergic to more than one of the differing types of
honeybee, wasp and vespid venoms.)
Anyone who thinks they are allergic to honeybees, wasps, vespids, etc.
should go to an allergist--the definitive professional in this area--and get
tested so you will know precisely what you are allergic to and have a
complete plan for both avoiding stings and treating them when they happen.
An epipen may not help you if you cannot get to it in time. I stayed away
from my honeybees for a year after the anaphylactic shock reaction, but
returned after starting desensitization shots, which I still get once every
six weeks. I take anti-histamines every day it is above 50 degrees, and I
always work my bees in a full suit. I have been stung since, and the
reactions have been local. I have also been told by my allergist that there
is no way to predict with 100% accuracy when a local reaction can turn into
an anaphylactic one. Again, the best course of action is to consult a
professional, get tested, know what you're allergic to, take common sense
precautions and learn how to avoid getting stung by your particular nemesis.
Janet A. Katz
Chester, NJ
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-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
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-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
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