ARE BEE STINGS AND HONEY ALLERGIES RELATED?

Honey allergies are extremely rare, but people who are allergic to bee stings or pollen may find themselves reacting to honey. A bee sting allergy is an immune response to bee venom. An allergic reaction to honey is usually a reaction to something in the honey rather than the honey itself. Pollen is a common allergen, and honeybees are avid pollinators. People with severe pollen allergies may have reactions to honey or beeswax. Unprocessed honey is more likely to contain pollen and other bee components like bee venom sacs. Studies show that people with pollen allergies have reactions on varying levels from different types of pollen. Honey is likely to contain several types of pollen due to cross-pollination from bees.

P.S. If you experience an allergic reaction to a bee sting, you are at a higher risk for a reaction to honey, which may contain small amounts of bee venom.

Source: beeawareallergy.com (Allergy 9-3-23 HT)

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