{"id":452,"date":"2016-08-26T17:35:37","date_gmt":"2012-08-26T17:35:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.viamedic.com\/blog\/?p=452"},"modified":"2012-08-26T17:35:37","modified_gmt":"2012-08-26T17:35:37","slug":"tick-bite-starts-meat-allergy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/allergy-relief\/tick-bite-starts-meat-allergy\/","title":{"rendered":"Tick Bite Starts Meat Allergy"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A common tick. (Photo taken by John Tann and posted on Flickr. Downloaded August 28th, 2012.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>A new risk<\/a> has been identified from tick bites, and this one is connected, strangely, to a meat allergy. It appears that certain tick bites can cause delayed anaphylaxis, a severe form of allergic reaction, after eating red meat.<\/p>\n

It appears the reaction is caused by the production of antibodies after a tick bite that falsely target a specific form of carbohydrate, alpha-gal.<\/p>\n

Which Ticks Can Cause The Allergy?<\/strong>
\nLone Star ticks, a form of aggressive female tick, are the most likely to cause the complicated chain of reactions that can lead to anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n

These ticks can easily be identified, though, based on the distinctive white spot on the center of their back.<\/p>\n

How Can I Avoid The Lone Star Tick?<\/strong>
\nIn any area of the country with a native tick population, such as the southeast, it\u2019s important to take extra precaution against tick bites. <\/p>\n

During the early spring and late summer months, be especially careful not to attract ticks because they\u2019re especially active during this time of year. Avoid areas with high grass, and avoid extremely dense, bushy wooded areas as well.<\/p>\n