It is very rarely indeed that a single sting will prove fatal, 

 although such instances have occured occasionally from time to time, 

 and almost always are confined to those who are allergic to bee 

 venom. Normally the usual sequence of events take their course, 

 as described above, and are soon over. In the case of bee-keepers 

 who have secured immunity, the effects of a few stings are often 

 so trifling that either they are merely ignored or forgotten in a 

 moment. 



In view of the variable conditions arising from a bee sting it is 

 quite impossible to give an exact forecast of the duration of the ill 

 effects which follow. Some folk are more susceptible than others 

 and, of course, the amount of venom actually injected also varies. 

 The acuteness of the subsequent symptoms is directly proportional 

 to the length of time the sting remained in the wound and the amount 

 and potency of the venom in the bee's poison at the time. 



Naturally some parts of the body are more sensitive than others 

 and the face in particular should be protected, as there the effects 

 are not only more conspicuous but may be more serious. For in- 

 stance a sting near the eyes may even temporarily affect the vision, 

 or one in the mouth may cause a swelling near the throat producing 

 a suffocating feeling that leads to distress and shock. The effect 

 of a number of stings, will, of course, make the various symptoms 

 even more pronounced. 



The effect of a bee sting on those few but unfortunate persons 

 who are hypersensitive to bee venom produces more serious con- 

 sequences. In a few minutes the action of the venom may set up 

 perspiration, high temperature, dizziness, vomiting, a quickening 

 of the pulse, rash and many other effects. Low blood pressure may 

 also occur with possible collapse and more rarely a state of coma. 

 During consciousness the symptoms are usually accompanied by 

 mental distress with difficulties in breathing and kindred effects. 

 Naturally a doctor should be summoned at once in such a case, 

 stating the nature of the emergency, in the message so that he may 

 come prepared. 



Undue concern should not be attached to these disturbing 

 features as they are unlikely to affect the average person, and it has 

 been stated that the more serious consequences are found in only 

 about 2 per cent, of human beings. In the normal individual the 

 effects will be no more serious than those first mentioned, and as 

 soon as the immunity has been achieved even these will be absent. 



Bee-keepers frequently discuss among themselves as to what 

 times of the year bee stings are more potent than at others, and some 

 say the spring and some say the autumn. During the winter months 

 it is possible that the venom increases in strength through lack of 

 use, and so is more potent in the spring. It is doubtful however if 

 this is so. In considering this point, one must not overlook the 

 bee herself. The health of the bee varies, and weak bees as well as 

 the old and very young ones contain less fluid venom in their 



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