But, in recent years, researchers have also discovered that alpha-gal is in tick saliva. And, for reasons researchers still haven't worked out, some people bitten by ticks develop a type of antibody called anti-alpha-gal IgE. This antibody may help protect people from tick bites, but it also renders them allergic to anything with alpha-gal—i.e., mammalian meat and animal products. It's a double-edged sword that has been hypothesized to be an "allergic klendusity."
I mean, it's probably not a particularly fun experience to only find out that you have this allergy after you almost fucking die eight hours after getting a vaccine with trace amounts of alpha-gal in it, in severe cases.
As the disease rises in prominence, I reckon we'll start to see at-home tests. I certainly hope that happens.
7 Comments
LoafyLemon@kbin.social · 5 pts · 3y
The interesting part:
secrethat@kbin.social · 5 pts · 3y
PETA Bioweaponry!
CookieJarObserver@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 3y
Erikatharsis@kbin.social · 10 pts · 3y
I mean, it's probably not a particularly fun experience to only find out that you have this allergy after you almost fucking die eight hours after getting a vaccine with trace amounts of alpha-gal in it, in severe cases.
As the disease rises in prominence, I reckon we'll start to see at-home tests. I certainly hope that happens.
PsychedSy@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
I would lose a lot of weight before I shot myself at least so, yeah, prolly a good thing.
Machinist3359@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
Even as a vegan, I'll say, robbing folks of autonomy over food is truly awful. Food holds deep cultural and psychological meanings.
I'd take a few folks eating meat less regularly (willingly, and seeing value in it) over any number of folks forced into vegetarianism.
HubertManne@kbin.social · 3 pts · 3y
ouch. the gelatin is tough nutrition wise.
TimeSquirrel@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y