My sons house has several Black Widows. Is there a shot that my two year old granddaughter can get ahead of time in case she should get bit by one. The house has been sprayed by a pro, but we'd all feel better if she could get some type of early antidote. Thanks
2007-12-03 16:01:10 · 5 answers · asked by johN p. aka-Hey you. 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
These aren't the answers I was hoping for, but they are great answers.
2007-12-03 18:09:44 · update #1
no you have to wait till bitten to get the shoot
2007-12-03 17:29:34 · answer #1 · answered by adolph l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found this and thought it might be helpful.
First aid measures: Apply an ice pack over the bite location and keep the affected limb elevated to about heart level. Try to collect the spider specimen in a small jar or plastic bag for examination by a spider expert, even if you have crushed it. Treatment in a medical facility may be necessary. Call the Poison Center for additional information. Poison Centers across the country now have a new national emergency phone number - 1-800-222-1222
The link below has some great information.
I would tell your son to have emergency numbers posted by all home phones, the refrigerator, and next to exit doors. A planned route to the nearest hospital or doctor’s office is also a good idea.
EDIT: I also found this website. It has popups so I wouldn't visit it but this is the information you asked about. And by the looks of it there isn't a "preventive antidote"
Black Widow = Neurotoxic (Latrodectus mactans) = Bite painless = Toxin is called a-latrotoxin and it has a molecular weight of about 130,000 daltons. Pain begins 10 to 60 minutes after bite in lymph nodes. Then it spreads to muscles, muscular cramps follow, especially abdominal muscles. Contorted facial expression, swollen eyelids, inflamed lips, jaw clenched. If diaphragm and intercostal muscles affected death can follow. All this accompanied by severe anxiety. Without treatment symptoms last for up to five days and complete recovery can take weeks. Antidote and calcium gluconate will relieve symptoms in 10 to 20 minutes.
http://www.earthlife.net/chelicerata/venom.html
2007-12-04 23:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Super PI 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. There is no shot that she can get before. If she does get bitten it could be very serious. The venom attacks the central nervous system. It is also very painful and takes effect almost immediately. The anti venom is so hard to come by that a lot of hospitals do not carry it.
2007-12-05 05:43:11 · answer #3 · answered by uuummk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No shot is available. Black widows prefer dark places. If your granddaughter is potty trained, check the under surface of the toilet seat before she sits on it.
2007-12-04 00:06:06 · answer #4 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there is only a anti toxin available for after you get bitten, and I believe you can only use it once in your lifetime.
2007-12-04 00:21:02 · answer #5 · answered by Gordon S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋