Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a potentially life-threatening tick-borne allergy to mammalian meat—such as beef, pork, deer, and lamb—and mammalian meat-derived byproducts. In Virginia, AGS is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick.  "Alpha-gal" is the nickname for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, which is a sugar molecule found in the Lone Star tick's saliva.  There is no known minimum attachment time for the tick to transmit alpha-gal. Most tick bites can't be felt; however, many people with AGS have experienced a raised, red area where bitten, accompanied by itching or irritation that has lasted for one to two weeks. Alpha-gal Syndrome typically develops about 3 to 6 weeks after a tick bite, once the immune system is sensitized to "alpha-gal".

Unlike other food allergies, symptoms are often delayed and can appear anywhere from 2 to 8 hours after eating red meat or other mammalian meat byproducts, making it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect. However, some people react to fumes like smells from a BBQ or from an IV injection made with a by-product, and will experience immediate reactions, including anaphylaxis. While many reactions are mild, others can be severe and even life-threatening.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Hives, itching, or rash

• Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain)

• Headache or brain fog

• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that involves airway swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness

Reactions can be unpredictable and inconsistent, sometimes even with the same foods. Symptoms can also worsen with exercise, alcohol, or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Advil).  For example, if someone with Alpha-gal eats a hamburger and has a beer or glass of wine with it, their reactions could be worse.

Diagnosing AGS requires both a clinical history of delayed reactions after eating beef, pork, lamb, or other mammalian products and lab testing with a positive blood test for IgE to alpha-gal greater than 0.1 IU/mL.

How high the IgE level is does not necessarily estimate the severity of symptoms one has. People with low IgE levels can be highly sensitive and have severe reactions with frequent episodes of anaphylaxis, and people with IgE levels may experience relatively mild symptoms.

To learn more about test codes and clinical characteristics for diagnosis, check out this AGI Guide for Diagnosis & Testing Alpha-gal Syndrome.

Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment for Alpha-gal Syndrome. The only medically recognized strategy is strict avoidance of triggers and preventing future tick bites. Some patients have reported entering remission and reintroducing meat after years of no tick bites, but this varies by individual.

Many people have also had success with Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT), a form of acupuncture treatment, reporting remission where they can eat meat again, or where their reactions became less frequent and severe. While many have experienced benefits and eat meat again, there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence yet supporting its efficacy. Importantly, there has been a shared case of someone who had a fatal reaction after believing they were in remission, ate mammalian meat again, and did not have an Epi-Pen with them. An IgE below 0.1 IU/mL and a consultation with an allergist should be done before reintroducing meat after SAAT.

Managing AGS means strict avoidance of mammalian meat and byproduct triggers. This involves:

• Tracking symptoms to identify personal triggers and thresholds

• Reading labels for hidden ingredients (e.g., "natural flavors," gelatin, carrageenan)

• Avoiding cross-contamination in cooking

• Being aware of non-food exposures (e.g., gelatin capsules, vaccines, medical implants)

It also means avoiding additional tick bites. New tick bites can reset or worsen "Alpha-gal" sensitivity. 

Importantly, management involves having an emergency plan and carrying an Epi-Pen.  Knowing when and how to use an Epi-Pen is necessary.

Finally, understanding that having Alpha-gal can significantly impact all areas of one's overall health and well-being is critical.  One's physical, emotional, social, mental, occupational, recreational, and intellectual dimensions of well-being can all be affected.

Alpha-gal Syndrome is more than a medical condition — it’s a lived experience that reshapes daily life, nutrition, relationships, and emotional well-being. In this upcoming book, Dr. Jenny Hall, Founder of Ticks in Virginia, draws on hundreds of stories, interviews, and survey responses from individuals navigating AGS to uncover the real-world challenges that aren’t always captured in clinical literature.

With a focus on emotional, social, physical, and mental health impacts, this book bridges lived experience with public health insight. It offers not only research-based context but also compassion, tools, and validation for those living with or supporting someone with Alpha-gal Syndrome.

A sign-up to receive updates on the book’s release will be available here soon.

The following are trusted resources for learning more and can help with better understanding and managing Alpha-gal Syndrome.