>The patient usually goes away with a perscription for an epipen and a
reinforced fear of bee stings.

Justin O. Schmidt writes in THATHB:
“On first contact with a beekeeper, members of the general public
frequently make statements to the effect that they, or a close
relative/friend are ‘highly allergic to bee (or insect) stings and are
likely to die if stung again.’ Besides being unfortunate, incorrect,
and misleading, the public perception of the risk from bees is the
cause for much unnecessary personal limitation and suffering.”

The bee books say that for someone not used to being stung massive
swelling can occur, sometimes increasing in size for 72 hours and even
lasting for  a week.
It seems to me many beekeepers themselves don't realize  what
constitutes a *true* allergic reaction.  On beekeeping discussion
groups, including Bee-L, stings and allergies are perennial subjects.
Each time those topics come up someone usually chimes in with “Go to
the doctor and get an epipen!”
Regards,
Dick Allen

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