ghetto-okie
10-25-2019, 14:43
While Lyme disease is a real concern in the woods anywhere, no one is mentioning rocky mountain spotted fever or alpha gal. RMSF has a lot of the same symptoms as Lyme and you'll likely get the same antibiotic; doxycycline. Test results aren't immediate, either. A rash doesn't always happen with RMSF, either.
If you're a thru-hiker or lasher and have seen a trail doc, following up with your pcp when your hike is over is equally, if not more so, than the trail doc visit. Both can have life-long consequences.
Alpha Gal is also contracted by a tick bite. Lonestars are considered the main culprit but research suggests deer and dog ticks are also carriers (Dr. Commins @UNC). They call it " the red meat" allergy but nothing could be further from the truth. It's a mammal allergy. Anything that nurses it's young is a mammal, except a platypus. Fun facts: Medicines often use mammal "parts". Heparin has pork, for example. Collagen can be plant or mammal derived (hair products, lotions, makeup). Cheese, milk, dairy....
Alpha Gal can cause an anaphylactic reaction if they consume or use something with mammal ingredients. We have to carry epi pens. Some people are sensitive enough to react to fumes. I'm grateful that I only react to pork.
I'm not trying to be a downer. The focus is mainly on Lyme because that's where the research dollars are going. I'm speaking from experience, one I wish I didn't have.
Hike aware and safe!
If you're a thru-hiker or lasher and have seen a trail doc, following up with your pcp when your hike is over is equally, if not more so, than the trail doc visit. Both can have life-long consequences.
Alpha Gal is also contracted by a tick bite. Lonestars are considered the main culprit but research suggests deer and dog ticks are also carriers (Dr. Commins @UNC). They call it " the red meat" allergy but nothing could be further from the truth. It's a mammal allergy. Anything that nurses it's young is a mammal, except a platypus. Fun facts: Medicines often use mammal "parts". Heparin has pork, for example. Collagen can be plant or mammal derived (hair products, lotions, makeup). Cheese, milk, dairy....
Alpha Gal can cause an anaphylactic reaction if they consume or use something with mammal ingredients. We have to carry epi pens. Some people are sensitive enough to react to fumes. I'm grateful that I only react to pork.
I'm not trying to be a downer. The focus is mainly on Lyme because that's where the research dollars are going. I'm speaking from experience, one I wish I didn't have.
Hike aware and safe!