There are a lot of reasons to be afraid of bees. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) states that insect sting allergies are hiking.
According to ACAAI almost five percent of the population has been affected. Each year, approximately 50 people die of insect stings as noticed by Dr. David Golden, whose report on insect stings appeared in ‘Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’.
These deaths can often be prevented if the person is treated with venom immunotherapy, or VIT, as stated by Golden, chair person of the ACAAI’s Hypersensitivity Committee.
Venom immunotherapy can help in protecting people from insect stings for a span of years, even if their reactions are less severe.
Golden added that while these low-dose shots do not always cure insect allergies, they can almost always prevent severe reactions, and they usually provide long-lasting immunity, even after the treatments stop.
He emphasized that people who have been told they may have dangerous reactions to stings should definitely see an allergist and get tested
People who go through bee sting reactions end up in the emergency room most of the times. Here they are treated with a shot of adrenaline as well as an EpiPen containing more adrenaline to carry with them so as to be protected if they get stung again.
The ACAAI suggests these tips for avoiding being prey to stings from late-summer insects:
• Your body should be covered up with full pants and long-sleeved shirts while gardening or working outdoors.
• Avoid wearing any sweet smelling scents, deodorants etc while going outdoors.
• Avoid wearing clothes with bright floral patterns.
• Try not to walk barefoot in the grass.
• Keep flying away insects while eating something sweet.
A little bit of precautions and you are set to avoid harmful bee stings.
