In nature, there will always be those insects that can be a bit threatening because of their tendency to sting and cause a reaction. You may have no choice but to share the environment in which you live with bees and stinging insects, but you can be better prepared to handle a sting by understanding information. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about insect sting allergies, especially when it comes to bees. Here are a few of the most common myths about bee sting allergies and the real facts you should know.

Myth: If you were not allergic to bees as a child, you will not be allergic as an adult.

Fact: One thing that the average person usually does not know is that allergies to stinging insects can actually develop over time. In fact, you may be stung several times in your lifetime by a bee and never have an allergic reaction until you get older. This is because an allergy to the bees' venom can develop over time after being exposed. Therefore, just because you may have been stung when you were a child with no reaction, it does not mean you will have the same reaction as an adult.

Myth: You will only be allergic to bees if your parents are allergic.

Fact: Statistical information shows that allergic reactions to a bee sting will usually have nothing to do with family history. So even though your parents may have told you that you should not be allergic because they have never had issues, this may not always be true and you should act cautiously around bees just to be on the safe side.

Myth: If you are not allergic to other stinging insects, you will not be allergic to a bee sting.

Fact: Not all stinging insects are the same, even though the venom that is released in their sting may be somewhat similar. Bees are from the vespidae family and will usually only sting one time, but other insects, such as yellow jackets, are from different categories and can sting repeatedly in most cases. A person that isn't allergic to other stinging insects could still be allergic to a bee.

When it comes down to the true facts, if you are allergic to the sting of a bee, you have good reason to stay cautious in their presence. If you suspect that you could have a severe allergy, talk to your doctor about safeguards you can take and what you should do in the event you are actually stung. 

For more information, contact Oak Brook Allergists or a similar location.

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