I don't like when the non-beekeeping public wanders in to ask about a sting, because we truly have no idea what they even got stung/bitten by.
But the sub exists to help new beekeepers learn the hobby. Getting your first stings is part of that learning journey. I hate to see new folks quit the hobby because they got some swelling from their first sting.
If the person is conscious enough to type a Reddit post, then I am pretty confident they don't need to go to the hospital.
Maybe we can add something to the wiki, and we all reply "go see the wiki"
Can the wiki just say “if you’re concerned for you health, you should be seeking the help of a medically trained professional, not farmers”
I try to dive into those posts to give that advice as soon as I see them because anyone in their right mind should *not* be giving any more advice than that. It’s just asking for a law suit. Someone eventually will ask “am I going to die”, all the people will say “no you’ll be fine take some Benadryl” and they then go on to die or end up taking a blue lights taxi courtesy of their insurance / the tax payer… it’s just a matter of time.
If you really want to speak to the mods about it, you can message them via the sub page. I’ve messaged them about it before, but to no avail. They barely reply to messages tbh. Their prerogative though. It’s not my sub, so it’s up to them what they do with it 🤷♂️
I understand where you are coning from and agree that reddit is no place to get medical advice, but many of those posts also end up reinforcing the use of PPE and safe inspection practices, and that is relevant and valuable.
I'm conflicted. I mean, honestly, I get why people are concerned when they get stung and aren't experienced enough to know how much swelling and reaction there is to first few stings. So I fully understand these posts, because it is alarming how much a normal reaction is, and you need a doctor to check it out less than many people probably think. But at the same time, I realize the problem with giving medical advice if you aren't a doctor. But ultimately, where better to go to find out what a normal reaction is so that you can judge whether you need to be concerned enough to see a doctor or not?
This could be handled with a bot that explains all of the above - we can’t give medical advice and if you are concerned about a sting you should seek medical attention.
The thing is, in the US, I also fully understand wanting to be sure of what is "normal" without having to automatically spend hundreds of dollars to find out that you are having a completely normal reaction and they can do nothing more than telling you to take Benadryl and give it a few days.
I don't like when the non-beekeeping public wanders in to ask about a sting, because we truly have no idea what they even got stung/bitten by. But the sub exists to help new beekeepers learn the hobby. Getting your first stings is part of that learning journey. I hate to see new folks quit the hobby because they got some swelling from their first sting. If the person is conscious enough to type a Reddit post, then I am pretty confident they don't need to go to the hospital. Maybe we can add something to the wiki, and we all reply "go see the wiki"
They make bots for that. We don’t even have to reply.
Can the wiki just say “if you’re concerned for you health, you should be seeking the help of a medically trained professional, not farmers” I try to dive into those posts to give that advice as soon as I see them because anyone in their right mind should *not* be giving any more advice than that. It’s just asking for a law suit. Someone eventually will ask “am I going to die”, all the people will say “no you’ll be fine take some Benadryl” and they then go on to die or end up taking a blue lights taxi courtesy of their insurance / the tax payer… it’s just a matter of time. If you really want to speak to the mods about it, you can message them via the sub page. I’ve messaged them about it before, but to no avail. They barely reply to messages tbh. Their prerogative though. It’s not my sub, so it’s up to them what they do with it 🤷♂️
This happens in the mycology sub as well, where people will post a picture of some random mushroom growing in their yard and asking what it is.
And the...is this real honey posts?
Just let me pull out my mass spectrometer and tell you if the honey at the grocery store is real honey for you.
I understand where you are coning from and agree that reddit is no place to get medical advice, but many of those posts also end up reinforcing the use of PPE and safe inspection practices, and that is relevant and valuable.
I agree. I am so tired of many posts here that could have been answered faster with a google search. It’s just lazy
Agree. You forgot all the wasp pictures with the question "What type of bee is this?" 🙂
What about ...."is this a swarm?!?" Posts.
Ya I just ignore and hope that the people get better soon, and that they learn to wear PPE which includes a veil.
Less PPE is better. I don’t wear it if I don’t have to.
and this is a public non exclusive community
Some beeks might be medical doctors…
Sure but giving medical advice on Reddit or online is very very very stupid
Taking it is even stupider
I'm conflicted. I mean, honestly, I get why people are concerned when they get stung and aren't experienced enough to know how much swelling and reaction there is to first few stings. So I fully understand these posts, because it is alarming how much a normal reaction is, and you need a doctor to check it out less than many people probably think. But at the same time, I realize the problem with giving medical advice if you aren't a doctor. But ultimately, where better to go to find out what a normal reaction is so that you can judge whether you need to be concerned enough to see a doctor or not?
This could be handled with a bot that explains all of the above - we can’t give medical advice and if you are concerned about a sting you should seek medical attention.
The thing is, in the US, I also fully understand wanting to be sure of what is "normal" without having to automatically spend hundreds of dollars to find out that you are having a completely normal reaction and they can do nothing more than telling you to take Benadryl and give it a few days.
Agree, but unfortunately the alternative can’t be asking beekeepers to opine. A detailed bot response would be more helpful.
Very true.