{"id":2486,"date":"2020-10-29T13:19:44","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T13:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatesurvivalspace.com\/?p=659"},"modified":"2022-03-25T10:23:36","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T10:23:36","slug":"should-beekeepers-have-an-epipen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/should-beekeepers-have-an-epipen\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Beekeepers Have an Epipen?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Beekeeping is not only popular among homesteaders but is an activity that is pursued by many people simply as a hobby. Most of us have had the painful and unpleasant experience of a bee sting, and some people’s reactions to the venom are worse than others. Does the risk of many stings for a beekeeper mean that they should consider keeping an EpiPen available for a possible allergic reaction to a sting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It should not be necessary for beekeepers to carry an EpiPen as part of their gear, but the choice you make should be depending on your experience and allergy status. If you have presented with abnormal reactions to bee stings in the past, it would be better to consult a doctor as to the best procedure and precautions to take. Prevention is better than cure, so take the proper precautions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bees are unpredictable as any other wild animal, and working in close quarters with them poses risks for the beekeeper. There are measures that the beekeeper can take to minimize the risk and protect themselves from getting stung in the first place and steps you can take if you happen to get stung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An EpiPen is basically a dose of adrenalin<\/strong>, called Epinephrine, and it is generally used in EpiPen form to treat anaphylactic shock caused by a severe allergic reaction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EpiPen is a delivery mechanism to get the adrenalin into your system as quickly and efficiently as possible without having to fumble around with syringes and bottles when you are in a life-threatening emergency situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EpiPen is a cylindrical shaped device with a needle at one end and the dose of medicine in the cylinder. The mechanism is activated when you press it into the skin of your thigh. The needle penetrates the skin, and a measured dose of adrenalin is administered into your system. The device is simple enough that children can operate it in the event that they need it, and an adult is not around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Epipens are expensive and have a relatively short shelf-life, often only in the range of 18 to 24 months.<\/strong> If you need to carry an EpiPen, you should be keeping an eye on the expiry dates and replace the unit before it expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normally, only people who have a history of a life-threatening allergy or who have had a severe allergic reaction to an allergen in the past, such as a bee sting, should consider carrying an EpiPen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With regards to bee stings, if you have had a sting that resulted in abnormal swelling or rashes<\/strong>, then you could be a candidate for carrying an EpiPen. Once you start to exhibit extreme reactions to a bee sting, the next time you get stung, you could have a similar bad reaction or a worse reaction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An EpiPen would normally be prescribed by a doctor, and you can normally only access this medication if you have a prescription for it. If your reaction to a bee sting has been severe but not life-threatening, the doctor may suggest immunotherapy, which is designed to desensitize you to the bee venom so that the next time you are stung, the reaction is not so severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immunotherapy is, however, no guarantee, so if your doctor suggests this treatment and you work with bees on a regular basis, it would be advisable to carry an EpiPen in your gear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some beekeepers argue that they should carry an EpiPen to use on someone else who may get stung around their hives. There are some possible legal ramifications doing this, and keeping an expensive item in your gear that has a short shelf-life for this unlikely possibility is just not practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a beekeeper who is exposed to the bees on a regular basis, you have probably had a sting or two. If you have displayed abnormal symptoms such as excessive swelling, itching in areas other than the sting, dryness of mouth, tingling lips, clogged sinuses, then you should probably get yourself tested for bee allergy to be sure of your status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my experience, the location of the sting can cause different reactions<\/strong>; for example, I have had a sting on the nose and on the ear, which did not have much swelling, just burning, throbbing, and itchiness. Yet a sting I received on my finger caused enough swelling for my finger to feel like an overstuffed sausage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a bad swelling reaction no matter where you get stung, rather get yourself examined by your doctor and ask him for a recommended course of action.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, even if you have never had a bad reaction to a bee sting, you can develop an allergic reaction at any time. This is a risk many of us beekeepers are willing to take, but it is also a reason to always take the necessary protective measures to minimize the possibility of getting stung in the first place!<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is An Epipen For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Needs An Epipen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Know Your Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n