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Sting Shots Could Save a Life

Q. You responded recently to a woman who almost died after a yellow jacket sting. Your advice to get an EpiPen was good, but it should have gone further.

After I lived more than 25 years with severe insect sting allergy, my new wife sent me to an allergist. I went through years of desensitization shots. I was last tested ten years ago and was no longer allergic. Please encourage the nanny to get the shots. It could save her life.

A. EpiPen is a prescription pre-loaded self-injector of epinephrine. This medication can save the life of someone who goes into anaphylactic shock as a result of an allergic reaction.

Desensitization shots are time-consuming and expensive but very effective at preventing serious allergic reactions. Thank you for the recommendation.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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