Helpline
Wasp and Bee Factsheet
Information on wasp and bee venom allergy, including reaction symptoms, treatment and avoidance strategies.
Over the months of July and August, more time is spent outdoors, and this is especially the case for families with young children because of school summer holidays. It is also the time of year when people are more likely to come in to contact with bees and wasps and therefore the possibility of being stung, particularly towards the end of the summer season when wasps and bees are at their most dozy. With this can come a risk of an allergic reaction to venom.
Venom allergies can trigger an anaphylactic reaction, which is dangerous and life threatening. However, many people may not even know they are allergic to venom until they are stung and then potentially suffer an anaphylactic response. The capricious and unknown nature of a venom allergy coupled with its potential to cause an anaphylactic response, makes it an important allergy to be aware of. This is why our next phase of the It’s Time Campaign will focus on raising awareness of venom allergies and their potential to develop in anyone at any time.
Stinging Stats – The Impact of Living With A Venom Allergy
For most people, a sting will not be serious and will simply cause a bit of pain and discomfort, and some redness and swelling around the sting site. However, for some people, they may develop a reaction to the venom in these stings, which can range from mild to life threatening.
- Each year there are approximately 10 reported deaths from wasp or bee sting reactions.
- Wasp stings are twice as likely to cause a fatal reaction due to anaphylaxis compared to bee stings, as wasps can sting multiple times.
- Allergy UK research conducted in 2021, highlighted that 100% of parents of child living with a venom allergy and 66% of adults avoid social situations because of their allergy
- 67% of parents of a child living with a venom allergy said their child feels isolated due to how much their allergies affected their life.
- 72% of adults and 89% of parents of a child living with a venom allergy feel the allergy is not taken seriously
- 78% of adults and 100% of parents of a child living with a venom allergy and have had a severe allergic reaction.
Building Awareness
Our campaign aims to create buzzing and informed conversations around venom allergies and what to do. Through our social media conversations and digital advertising we are aiming to raise awareness within the allergic community and beyond of:
- The arbitrary and unknown aspect of venom allergies – they can affect anyone and develop at any time.
- The risks posed by wasp and bee stings can potentially lead to a serious medical emergency.
- What to do if you get stung; it just might save a life. Knowing how to use an AAI is everybody’s business.
I’ve been keeping bees for a number of years, and then I had an allergic reaction, and I had one sting to my chin and had an anaphylactic shock. – Carrie, Allergy UK case study.
