According to a new report released August 1 in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies to insect stings are on the rise and now affect about five percent of the population. However, much of the population does not know that they can actually do something about it.

“While it does not always cure insect sting allergy, venom immunotherapy, a form of allergy shots, can almost always prevent severe reactions to stings,” says David Golden, MD, article author and ACAAI fellow. “It usually provides long-lasting immunity even after the treatment is stopped.”

As long as 10 to 20 years after experiencing an allergic reaction to an insect sting, the chances of experiencing another continues to remain at about 70 percent in adults and 30 percent in children. Venom immunotherapy doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction to stings, Dr. Golden adds, but almost all reactions that do occur are mild with a less than two percent chance of a severe reaction during treatment. Full protection is present as soon as the full dose is reached, which usually takes about two to three months of treatment.

“Allergy sufferers who have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting should be under the care of a board-certified allergist,” Dr. Golden says. “For those with severe reactions, prescribed emergency epinephrine should always be carried. Sufferers should also talk with their allergist to see if venom immunotherapy is right for them. It’s not always a cure, but it is close.”

As many as 50 people die each year due to reactions from insects stings. Half of all fatal reactions occur in people who have never been stung before. Former president of Dow Jones & Company and president of the Wall Street Journal, Ray Shaw, died in 2009 from a wasp sting. Prior to the sting, he had no know allergies to bee stings.

Just like other forms of allergy shots, the recommended treatment duration for venom immunotherapy is three to five years. Since relapse can occur, it is best if a patient is tested regularly by an allergist. Venom immunotherapy can prevent severe reactions and greatly improves quality of life because patients no longer have to fear being stung.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of venom immunotherapy in 1979, but it is still not a widely used treatment by doctors and hospitals, Dr. Golden told Healthline during an interview about his report.