Tom will give an overview of alpha-gal syndrome, an emerging allergy linked to tick bites that can cause delayed reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. He’ll cover what alpha-gal is, how it develops, and why symptoms can appear hours after exposure, often making diagnosis challenging. You’ll learn the common signs and symptoms, risk factors, geographic patterns, and the role of ticks in triggering the condition. Tom has firsthand experience with dietary management, prevention strategies, and how to respond to allergic reactions.  As the frequency of alpha-gal diagnoses increases, you’ve probably met someone or know someone dealing with it.