Severe bee allergies and the wilderness

[Erik Bresnahan]

I have a friend with a severe bee allergy and I am trying to get him out on a BWCA trip. I haven't had great luck finding out about this topic on the web and I am hoping that there are some people here who might have some opinions.
The trip is Labor day week, four people and we can adjust the route to be within about a hard 6 hour paddle out. With the time of year and proximity to an entry point, as well as having epi-pens and benydrill (sp) is this a reasonable distance? We can also bring a satellite phone.

[Laurie Ann March]

I guess it really depends on how severe the allergy is. My good friend, Sandi, has about 20 minutes to get to a hospital once she's had the epi-pen. For her, six hours could be a serious issue.

[Erik Bresnahan]

My friends allergy is about that severe and I don't want to downplay that fact. It just seems to me that there has to be some form of treatment in the field that will at least slow down the effects of the allergy. In my mind, the time of the year seems to be the only real selling point due to the fact it will be labor day and the likelyhood of bees being active is lower than other times of the year.

Is there some combination of: Venom remover, multiple epi pens and benydrill (or something stronger, prescription per say) that may work?

My best recourse is probably talk to a doctor about it, though allergies are more and more common these days and I would think that it hasn't stopped people from doing what they want. I figured someone here at BPL might have personal experience with this issue. Thanks

[John S.]

Your friend should get their physicians advice and follow it.

[Laurie Ann March]

John is correct… get your friend to get the advice of his doctor. This isn't something to play around with.

I talked to Sandi about this a few moments ago. Bees can still be pretty active at Labor Day. It only takes one sting. A trip out, that is that far from a hospital is a life and death situation for her. One other thing she mentioned… honey. I don't know if you friend is in the same boat but Sandi can't eat anything with honey in it – same reaction.

[Chris Jones]

It might be good to study up on bee sting avoidance techniques and bee behavior.

Certain colors, scents (perfumes, deodorants, lotions, etc.) are more likely to set them off. For example, there is a reason why beekeepers wear white as opposed to black.

Can bees sting through Gore-tex? I know moquitoes can't penetrate it–at least the ones I've encountered thus far.

As mentioned, discussing options with a medical specialist would be wise and prudent…

[chris whitmoyer]

I work with 2 men who have bee sting allergies. Their doctors have told them that after using an Epi., they should still take Benadryl as the epi. only lasts a short time.

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