[Joe 6-pack]

I've been stung and bit by lots of critters across the evolutionary spectrum. Fortunately the bees/wasps haven't created too adverse a reaction other than some pretty wicked pain...however, it's my understanding that like poison ivy, one doesn't become increasingly tolerant to subsequent stings, but rather increasingly sensitive to them.

The worst so far was the brown recluse bite on my left elbow...my forearm swelled up to the point I looked like Popeye.

[GBA]

You're lucky with the recluse bite. I've heard they are about the worst. My mom got bit when I was a kid and the scar she has from that bite still looks nasty.

You're right about becoming increasingly sensitive. With allergies, I'm told that it's mostly genetics, but the older we get the more sensitive we can become. I was surprised to learn how many get hay fever later in life. Like you said, even if someone isn't initially very sensitive or allergic, the first sting or stings primes your body's defenses so much that if they get stung again, the body's response really kicks in and can often be overwhelming or fatal. Some are sensitive or allergic and don't know it until they get stung with their next experience being revived by an EMT.

I got stung several times this summer and none were all that big of a deal until the last time. The places where they stung me hurt a bit, but I felt fine until I got into the house. Then all of a sudden it was time to call 911. It's been a summer to remember this year.