[Fred Hayek]

"Anyone with an acute allergy (bee stings, food, etc.) should always have with them an Epi-pen "

I was bicycling with a friend who was allergic to bee stings when I got stung by a bee (first time). She asked if I was allergic to bees, and if I had been stung before. When I replied no to the second, she had an Epi-pen ready - just in case I went into shock. Fortunately she did not have to use it.

[gingerky]

I don't believe you can go into anaphylactic shock on the first exposure. I'm allergic to wasps and found out the day before my first son was born. I was stung, and immediately started feeling nauseous. I experienced the "feeling of impending doom" we sometimes read about. I was stung on my leg, but my hands started to itch and swell; later, my neck and chest begin to break out in a rash. My husband took me to the doctor who gave me a shot of benadryl and then made me wait. He also told my husband to never hesitate about getting me to a doctor after a sting. I also got an Epipen. It was a very scary feeling, but I know my reaction was mild compared to that of others.